BS 210 Introduction to Neurotransmitters
Brain Science with Ginger Campbell, MD: Neuroscience for Everyone
00:00
Signal Strength and Flexibility in Neurotransmission
Chemical transmission of signals in the nervous system takes two forms: fast, direct transmission through ionotropic receptors and slow, indirect transmission via G-protein coupled receptors and second messengers. While electrical synapses provide rapid yet weak signals unsuitable for long-distance communication, chemical synapses are slower but offer adaptability, allowing signal enhancement and modulation. Some neurotransmitters can function in both fast and slow transmission depending on their receptor type, effectively amplifying their impact and increasing versatility. This dual functionality underscores the complexity and adaptability of neurotransmitter systems.
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