8 overview of synaptic transmission

abstract

synapses are either electrical or chemical

electrical synapses provide instantaneous signal transmission

cells at an electrical synapses are connected by gap-junction channels

electrical transmission allows the rapid and synchronous firing of interconnected cells

gap junctions have a role in glial function and disease

chemical synapses can amplify signals

neurotransmitters bind to postsynaptic receptors

postsynaptic receptors gate ion channels either directly or indirectly

content

186

ionotropic and metabotropic receptors have different functions. the ionotropic receptors produce relatively fast synaptic actions lasting only milliseconds. these are commonly found at synapses in neural circuits that mediate rapid behaviors, such as the stretch receptor reflex. the metabotropic receptors produce slower synaptic actions lasting seconds to minutes. these slower actions can modulate behavior by altering the excitability of neurons and the strength of the synaptic connections of the neural circuitry mediating behavior. such modulatory synaptic actions often act as crucial reinforcing pathways in the process of learning