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The Synapse

Author: Meg O'Mahony

The tutorial explores what happens to the Action Potential when it reaches the end of the axon. The synapse is the small space between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites of the next. Chemicals called neurotransmitters are used to transfer the potential across this gap.

Source: M. O'Mahony, open source images

Student Notes Template

Template for students to take notes from tutorial video. Includes the various figures.

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Source: M. O'Mahony, open source figures

Synapse Animation

https://www.tes.co.uk/teaching-resource/synapse-animation-6072978

When you open this site, click on the figure of the synapse.  You will then see a powerpoint summary of what is happening in the synapse followed by some questions.  This is a very good overview of the events that happen at the synapse.  You can also download this ppt (look to the right) if you register.  It is worth downloading.

(I have not posted the presentation because of the copyright regulations covering items on TES.)

Source: Gemma Button on TES connect

HHMI: Animation on how toxins block synaptic function

This animation http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/motor-cabal-toxins-block-motor-neuron-synapses  from HHMI shows how the toxins from cone snails cause paralysis by blocking various functionalities of the synapse.  A follow up animation to this is also good:  http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/prialt-blocks-motor-synapse-fish

Source: HHMI animations (links above)