This web site is structured around the educational content which it provides. There are four fundamental steps in the process of synaptic transmission; likewise, there are four primary divisions of content in this web site. Each division, which corresponds to one of the four steps of synaptic transmission, is organized around specific neurotransmitters. For each neurotransmitter, there are a series of pages to describe the specific role of that neurotransmitter within the broader process of synaptic transmission. These specific pages illustrate the role of each neurotransmitter through the use of computer animations which are accompanied with thorough explanatory text. Finally, each series of pages devoted to a specific neurotransmitter conclude by connecting the role of that neurotransmitter to a particular clinical application, such as schizophrenia, autism, anxiety, or depression.

This web site’s introduction page provides an overview of synaptic transmission, as well as links to each of the four steps in that process. By following any one of these four links, you will be provided an overview of that step, as well as links to the specific series of pages that provide the animations and text. Alternatively, you can use the site map to view all of this site’s educational contents in outline form.

To view the computer animations, you will need to have QuickTime 3.0 installed on your computer. If you do not have this software installed already, you can download it free of charge from Apple; versions are available for both Mac and PC. Once the software is installed, you are ready to begin exploring the Multimedia Neuroscience Education site!

When you load a page that contains an animation, an image will appear in the upper left corner of your screen. To initiate the play of this video, simply click on the image. While the animation is being automatically downloaded to your computer, you can read the text that appears in the column at the right of your screen. Once the video has finished downloading, you can view it by clicking on the play button at the bottom of the video.

When you are finished viewing a particular page and have read the accompanying text, you can either move to the next page in the sequence using the navigation buttons at the top of the screen, or can return you can return to the page providing links to the four main steps by clicking on the introduction button at the top of the screen.