Questions and Answers
What happens when the neuronal action potential reaches the axon terminal of neuron 1?
What do neurotransmitters diffuse across?
synaptic cleft
What happens if the neuron is stimulated enough times?
excitatory local potentials summate
What occurs when the trigger zone is depolarized to threshold?
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What triggers the opening of calcium ion channels at the axon terminal?
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How are neurotransmitters released from the axon terminal?
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What do neurotransmitters do after diffusing across the synaptic cleft?
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What is the main action of an axon?
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Where are synaptic vesicles located?
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Where is an action potential generated?
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What triggers exocytosis of synaptic vesicles?
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Study Notes
Neuronal Action Potentials
- Action potential reaches the axon terminal of a neuron, leading to the release of neurotransmitters.
- Release occurs via exocytosis from the axon terminal.
Neurotransmitter Action
- Neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft.
- They bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, affecting neuron communication.
Summation of Local Potentials
- Multiple excitatory local potentials can summate if the neuron is stimulated sufficiently.
- Summation results in the spread of electrical signals toward the axon.
Action Potential Generation
- Depolarization at the trigger zone must reach a threshold for action potential generation.
- The action potential propagates down the axon to the axon terminals.
Calcium Ion Influx
- Depolarization of the axon terminal triggers the opening of calcium ion channels.
- Calcium ions enter the axon terminal, initiating neurotransmitter release.
Role of Synaptic Vesicles
- Synaptic vesicles, located in axon terminals, contain neurotransmitters ready for release.
- Exocytosis of these vesicles is crucial for neurotransmitter action in synaptic transmission.
Functions of Axons
- The primary function of an axon is to generate and transmit action potentials, conveying signals over distances.
Triggering Exocytosis
- The influx of calcium ions into the axon terminal directly triggers the exocytosis of synaptic vesicles, facilitating communication between neurons.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the nervous system with these flashcards from A&P Lab 12. Each card focuses on essential terminologies and their definitions, helping reinforce your understanding of neuronal functions and neurotransmitter actions. Perfect for students preparing for exams in anatomy and physiology.
