Module 1 Lesson 7 - 7
Lesson 7 — Synaptic and Neuromuscular Transmission
Lesson Summary
In this lesson, you have explored the following focusing questions:
-
How does the anatomy and function of the synaptic gap and neuromuscular junction facilitate the transmission of nerve impulses between neurons and between neurons and effectors?
- How do chemicals taken into our bodies and disorders such as Parkinson's disease compromise synaptic transmission?
A nerve impulse travels to the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron. The nerve impulse crosses the synapse by way of neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters dock on the receptor proteins of the sodium gates in the membrane of the postsynaptic
neuron. The sodium ions rush in to the dendrites of the postsynaptic neuron, thereby continuing the signal transmission.
Remember that neurotransmitters can cross the synapse to initiate responses in effectors such as muscles.
The parts of the nervous system (neurons, neural pathways, receptors, effectors, and synapses) fit together as the pieces of a puzzle. If one piece fails to fit, the system does not work right. Disorders such as Parkinson's disease and chemical substances such as drugs can interrupt the function of the system.