In: Psychology
Referencing specific neural structures and electrochemical processes, describe the flow of information from when it is received by one neuron to when it is transmitted to another neuron. Describe three processes by which neurotransmitters leave the synapse.
For any function or dysfunction of the human brain, neurons or nerve cells must gather information continuously on the following things - internal state of organism, external environment. It has to evaluate those information and coordinate activities as per the situation and human needs.
Neurons process information by nerve impulse, which is transmission of a coded signal from a stimulus along the neuron membrane, starting from the applied point. Nerve impulses also pass from one cell to another, thus chain of information is created within neuron networks.
Electrical and chemical processing is involved in the phenomenon. Electrical process sends signal within a neuron while chemical transmits it from one neuron to another. This interaction between neurons and between neurons and effector celld occur at the end of axon, in a structure called synapse. Touching the dendrite of another cell, axon releases chemical substances called neurotransmitters, which attach themselves to membrane of the other neuron, in their chemical receptors and facilitates excitatory or inhibitory changes.
Neurotransmitters leave synapse through three processes - reuptake, enzyme deactivation and autoreceptor.
Reuptake - The cell producing the substance reabsorbing the secreted substance.
Enzyme deactivation - Enzymes changes the structure of the neurotransmitter, making it inactive and unrecognizable by the receptors.
Autoreceptor- Neurotransmitter receptor located in the nerve terminal of the same neuron, that produced the neurotransmitter. It serves as a negative feedback loop.