Psychology A-Level
Synaptic Transmission
What Synaptic Transmission means in Psychology A-Level, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Synaptic Transmission
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
The process by which chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) cross the gap between neurons to pass on an electrical impulse.
The process by which neurotransmitters are released by a presynaptic neuron and bind to receptors on a postsynaptic neuron.
Topics that use Synaptic Transmission
- Topic 1: Social psychology (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Topic 3: Biological psychology (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
Related terms
- Catharsis
- Reductionism
- Concordance Rate
- Correlation
- Neurotransmitter
- Pre-frontal Cortex
- Prefrontal Cortex
- Spearman's Rho
Using Synaptic Transmission in the exam
Definition questions usually carry one or two marks, and examiners look for the precise wording. Write the definition from memory, check it against the version above, and then use the term in a longer answer on the same topic so it sticks.
Practise Psychology questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Psychology A-Level terms7 days Premium · Then free forever · No card, no charge