Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain - Chapter 5 Key Terms Flashcards

Chapter 5 Key Terms and Definitions

314895254	synaptic transmission	The process of transferring information from one cell to another at a synapse.
314895255	electrical synapse	A synapse in which electrical current flows directly from one cell to another via a gap junction.
314895256	chemical synapse	A synapse in which presynaptic activity stimulates the release of neurotransmitter, which activates receptors in the postsynaptic membrane.
314895257	gap junction	A specialized junction where a narrow gap between two cells is spanned by protein channels (connexons) that allow ions to pass directly from one cell to another.
314895258	postsynaptic potential (PSP)	A change in the postsynaptic membrane potential by the presynaptic action of an electrical synapse, or a synaptically released neurotransmitter.
314895259	secretory granule	A spherical membrane-enclosed vesicle about 100 nm in diameter containing peptides intended for secretion by exocytosis; also called dense-core vesicle.
314895260	dense-core vesicle	A spherical membrane-enclosed vesicle about 100 nm in diameter containing peptides intended for secretion by exocytosis; also called secretory granule.
314895261	membrane differentiation	A dense accumulation of protein adjacent to and within the membrane on either side of a synaptic cleft.
314895262	active zone	A presynaptic membrane differentiation that is the site of neurotransmitter release.
314895263	postsynaptic density	A postsynaptic membrane differentiation that is the site of neurotransmitter receptors.
314895264	neuromuscular junction	A chemical synapse between a spinal motor neuron axon and a skeletal muscle fiber.
314895265	motor end-plate	The postsynaptic membrane at the neuromuscular junction.