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GCSE 6 marker on how a signal is transmitted at a synapse

QUESTION :colone:xplain how a signal is transmitted at a synapse and how the painkillers reduce pain felt by the person

ANSWER:
The gap between 2 neurons is called a synapse .The nerve signal is transferred by chemicals called neurotransmitters which diffuse across the gap .The neurotransmitters then bind to the receptors then set of new electrical signals to the next neurons. Painkillers prevent neurotransmitters binding to receptors so the nerve significantly fully get to the next neurons.
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Hope this helped will take any feedback !😊
Original post by Sophiaflynn
QUESTION :colone:xplain how a signal is transmitted at a synapse and how the painkillers reduce pain felt by the person
ANSWER:
The gap between 2 neurons is called a synapse .The nerve signal is transferred by chemicals called neurotransmitters which diffuse across the gap .The neurotransmitters then bind to the receptors then set of new electrical signals to the next neurons. Painkillers prevent neurotransmitters binding to receptors so the nerve significantly fully get to the next neurons.
8
Hope this helped will take any feedback !😊

Very good answer, Sophiaflynn!
I would like to add a few clarifications that may be of interest and make it easier to understand how pain transmission occurs and how it is alleviated.
Pain transmission ==> neurotransmitters released by pain-sensing neurons ==> they bind to receptors on the surface of subsequent neurons ==> transmission of the pain signal to the brain.
In my industrial chemistry degree courses, I passed two exams: Toxicology (course for pharmacists) and Human Physiology (course for medical doctors).
Painkillers, such as opioids ==> binding to the same receptors as the neurotransmitters released by the pain-sensing neurons ==> they occupy the receptors and prevent the neurotransmitters from binding ==> no pain signal is triggered.

Bye,
Sandro
(edited 3 months ago)
Reply 2
Original post by Nitrotoluene
Very good answer, Sophiaflynn!
I would like to add a few clarifications that may be of interest and make it easier to understand how pain transmission occurs and how it is alleviated.
Pain transmission ==> neurotransmitters released by pain-sensing neurons ==> they bind to receptors on the surface of subsequent neurons ==> transmission of the pain signal to the brain.
In my industrial chemistry degree course, I passed two exams: Toxicology (course for pharmacists) and Human Physiology (course for medical doctors).
Painkillers, such as opioids ==> binding to the same receptors as the neurotransmitters released by the pain-sensing neurons ==> they occupy the receptors and prevent the neurotransmitters from binding ==> no pain signal is triggered.
Bye,
Sandro


Than you! That was a part i was lacking on when writing up but it's a interesting point which will improve my knowledge for my mock exams

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