Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2025
07:38
Author Spotlight: Modular Neuronal Networks for Analyzing Brain Functions
Published on: June 7, 2024
1.6K
A 3-D-printed synaptic puzzle contributes to students' synaptic transmission comprehension
Guilherme Salgado Carrazoni1, Amanda Dalla'corte Chaves2, Claudio Felipe Kolling da Rocha2
1Physiology Research Group, Stress, Memory and Behavior Lab, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, Brazil.
Advances in Physiology Education
|March 9, 2023
Summary
The 3-dimensional synaptic puzzle (3Dsp) significantly improved university students' understanding of synaptic transmission (ST). Over 90% of students found 3Dsp enhanced their physiology comprehension and recommended its use.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology Education
Background:
- Synaptic transmission (ST) is a core concept in physiology.
- Traditional teaching methods may not fully engage students in complex ST mechanisms.
- Developing innovative educational tools is crucial for effective science learning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create and evaluate the "3-dimensional synaptic puzzle" (3Dsp) as an educational resource for ST.
- To assess the impact of 3Dsp on student knowledge of ST compared to traditional methods.
- To gauge student perception of 3Dsp's effectiveness and engagement in physiology classes.
Main Methods:
- 175 university students were divided into control (traditional class) and test (3Dsp + traditional class) groups.
- Synaptic transmission knowledge was assessed via pretest, immediate posttest, and delayed posttest.
- Student perception of teaching methods and engagement was collected through questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Both groups showed improved ST knowledge over time.
- The 3Dsp group demonstrated significant knowledge gains, particularly private university students.
- Over 90% of students using 3Dsp reported improved comprehension and recommended the tool.
Conclusions:
- The 3-dimensional synaptic puzzle (3Dsp) is an effective educational resource for teaching synaptic transmission.
- 3Dsp enhances student comprehension and engagement in physiology.
- This 3D model approach shows promise for improving science education outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Synaptic Signaling
75.3K
Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
75.3K
02:47The Synapse
126.2K
Neurons communicate with one another by passing on their electrical signals to other neurons. A synapse is the location where two neurons meet to exchange signals. At the synapse, the neuron that sends the signal is called the presynaptic cell, while the neuron that receives the message is called the postsynaptic cell. Note that most neurons can be both presynaptic and postsynaptic, as they both transmit and receive information.
126.2K
01:28Integration of Synaptic Events
1.6K
Synaptic integration mainly includes the summation of graded potentials. Graded potentials, regardless of their type, cause subtle alterations in membrane voltage, resulting in either depolarization or hyperpolarization. These incremental changes, when combined or summed, can propel the neuron toward its threshold. Consider, for example, a membrane experiencing a +15 mV shift, causing it to depolarize from -70 mV to -55 mV. In this scenario, graded potentials govern the membrane's ability to...
1.6K
01:28Electrical Synapses
8.4K
Electrical synapses found in all nervous systems play important and unique roles. In these synapses, the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes are very close together (3.5 nm) and are actually physically connected by channel proteins forming gap junctions.
Gap junctions allow the current to pass directly from one cell to the next. In contrast, in the chemical synapse, the neurotransmitters carry the information through the synaptic cleft from one neuron to the next. They consist of two...
Gap junctions allow the current to pass directly from one cell to the next. In contrast, in the chemical synapse, the neurotransmitters carry the information through the synaptic cleft from one neuron to the next. They consist of two...
8.4K
01:25Overview of Synapses
2.4K
A synapse is a specialized structure where two neurons connect, allowing them to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron. It is the point of communication between neurons. The term "synapse" is derived from the Greek word "synapsis," which means "conjunction." The entire process of neural communication revolves around the synapse. When activated, a neuron releases chemicals known as neurotransmitters into the synapse. These neurotransmitters cross the synapse and bind to...
2.4K
01:26Chemical Synapses
8.9K
Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
8.9K