Synaptic pharmacology
Synaptic Pharmacology
Synaptic pharmacology (pronunciation: sih-nap-tik far-muh-kol-uh-jee) is a branch of pharmacology that studies the effects of drugs on the synapse, the structure that permits a neuron to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron or to the target effector cell.
Etymology
The term 'synaptic' is derived from the Greek words 'syn' meaning 'together' and 'haptein' meaning 'to fasten'. 'Pharmacology' comes from the Greek words 'pharmakon' meaning 'drug' and 'logia' meaning 'study'.
Overview
Synaptic pharmacology involves the study of how drugs affect the neurotransmitter systems and synaptic processes, including the release, reception, and removal of neurotransmitters. It also explores the effects of drugs on synaptic plasticity, the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, which is vital for learning and memory.
Related Terms
- Neurotransmitter: A chemical substance that is released at the end of a nerve fiber by the arrival of a nerve impulse and, by diffusing across the synapse or junction, causes the transfer of the impulse to another nerve fiber, a muscle fiber, or some other structure.
- Neuron: A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; a nerve cell.
- Synapse: A junction between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter.
- Pharmacology: The branch of medicine concerned with the uses, effects, and modes of action of drugs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Synaptic pharmacology
- Wikipedia's article - Synaptic pharmacology
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