Synaptic Structure & Function

The effect of experience on synaptic modification is shown in fig 6.1 below.

Fig 6.1.gif (5970 bytes)

Fig 6.1 Synaptic Modification due to light deprivation in the lateral geniculate nucleus of a dog.

A normal dog, and
A dog reared in darkness. The synapse from the normal dog is more elaborate than that of the dog reared in darkness.

Psychotropic Drugs and Synapses.

Morphology of Synapses.

Neurochemistry of Synaptic Transmission.

Neurotransmitter Receptors and Signal Transduction Mechanisms.

Second Messenger Systems.

Divergence and Convergence of Transmitter Action.

Neurotransmitters and Gene Regulation in the Nervous System.

Termination of Transmitter Action.

Termination is discussed in chapter 3 and in the chapter for each type of neurotransmitter: catecholamine uptake, acetylcholine catabolism, amino acid uptake,and peptide catabolism.