The Synapse

Paul Andersen explains synapses, focusing on chemical synapses where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals between neurons. He discusses Otto Loewi's experiment that discovered chemical synapses and compares them to electrical synapses. The video details the anatomy of chemical synapses, the process of action potentials, and neurotransmitter release. It also covers neuron channels, excitatory and inhibitory signals, and how synapses contribute to memory and learning through long-term potentiation.

Explain the role of neurotransmitters in the generation of an action potential.

How do excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters affect the likelihood of an action potential being fired?

What is long-term potentiation and how is it related to memory?