1. Synapses occur at the junctions
Neurones
Neuronal cell bodies
psychlotron.org.uk
Axons
Source: science photo library
Synapses occur at the junctions

2. Synapses Neurones transmit signals electrically along their axons
The synapses (junctions between neurones) transmit signals chemically
psychlotron.org.uk

3. Vesicles filled with neurotransmitter
Synapse
Vesicles filled with neurotransmitter
psychlotron.org.uk
Synaptic cleft
Source: neuroscience.wustl.edu
Location of receptors (post-synaptic density)

4. Vesicles release neurotransmitter into synaptic cleft
psychlotron.org.uk
Vesicles release neurotransmitter into synaptic cleft

5. Neurotransmitter binds to receptors & activates them
psychlotron.org.uk
Neurotransmitter binds to receptors & activates them

6. Enzymes are released to break down the neurotransmitter
psychlotron.org.uk
Enzymes are released to break down the neurotransmitter

7. Excess neurotransmitter is taken up by the pre-synaptic neurone
psychlotron.org.uk
Excess neurotransmitter is taken up by the pre-synaptic neurone

8. Vesicles are replenished with new & reused neurotransmitter
psychlotron.org.uk
Vesicles are replenished with new & reused neurotransmitter