Lecture notes and diagrams for Anatomy and Physiology students describing / showing the connections between nerve cells (synapses) and how neurotransmitters work. Video of animation that shows how drugs affect neurotransmitters is included, although it will not show in slideshare.

1. Nervous system 3
Neuron synapses
Neurotransmitters
Effects of drugs on synapses

2. One direction

3. No that’s not what I meant.

5. Synapse
A structure that permits a neuron (nerve cell) to
pass an electrical or chemical signal to another
cell.

6. Excitatory post
synaptic potential
Inhibitory post
synaptic
potential

8. Types of synapses

10. Electrical v. Chemical synapse

11. Types of synapses
Synapse with another neuron
Junction between two nerve cells
Neuroeffector
Neuromuscular: synapse of motor neuron
and muscle
Neuroglandular: synapse of neuron and
endocrine or exocrine gland.

12. Neurotransmitters
Excitatory – can cause next cell to initiate a new
impulse
– ACh (acetylcholine) – neuromuscular junction
– NE (norepinephrine)
– DA (dopamine)

13. Neurotransmitters
Inhibitory– can cause hyperpolarization of next
cell, reduce chance of a new impulse
– Serotonin
– GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
– Glycine

15. Convergence and Divergence

18. Synapse function
Essential for homeostasis
A problem with communication between nerves
at synapses is often the basis for disease
Examples: Parkinsons, Azheimers, depression,
anxiety, schizophrenia

19. Drug effects
Can increase permeability of nerve cell membrane
to Na+ makes impulses more likely
Can decrease permeability of nerve cell membrane
to Na+ makes impulses less likely
Can block / compete for receptor site binding
Aspirin, Morphine, Curare
Can inhibit secretory vesicle formation / release
Botulism / Tetanus