User:Geerr23/Excitatory Synapse Project - BC

An excitatory synapse is the site of communication between neurons where an impulse is transmitted from one neuron to another, usually by a chemical neurotransmitter released by the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron. This neurotransmitter then acts on the postsynaptic neuron, causing its membrane to depolarize, and potentially producing an action potential in that neuron. In our project, we will analyze the structure of an excitatory synapse, the steps involved in excitatory signal transmission, the neurotransmitters that characterize these synapses, and other important aspects and applications of this topic.

1 Introduction

2 Mechanism of Synaptic Transmission

Chemical vs. Electrical synapses
Steps Involved in Signal Transmission
Possible Malfunctions of the Synapse

3 Responses of the Postsynaptic Neuron

EPSPs and Action Potential
Different Possible Outcomes

4 Types of Excitatory Neurotransmitters

Acetylcholine
Glutamate
Epinephrine
Norepinephrine
Serotonin
Dopamine (can act as both excitatory and inhibitory)

5 Medical Applications

Diseases related to non-functional excitatory synapses
Drugs that exploit the Excitatory Synapse
Drug Interference with Neurotransmission

Workload Division:

Roderick Geer – Parts I and V
Sam Johnson – Part II
Gabriella Wilson – Parts III and IV

Sources: