Autonomic Synapses Overview
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Questions and Answers

What triggers the exocytosis of synaptic vesicles at the sympathetic neuroeffector junction?

  • Hyperpolarization of the membrane
  • Opening of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (correct)
  • Release of norepinephrine (NE)
  • Entry of Na+ ions
  • How does norepinephrine (NE) affect the target cell?

  • It binds to adrenergic receptors. (correct)
  • It increases the synthesis of neurotransmitters.
  • It causes depolarization of the target cell membrane.
  • It directly opens potassium channels.
  • What happens after NE binds to its adrenergic receptor?

  • The NE concentration increases at the synapse.
  • The receptor becomes inactive immediately.
  • The response at the target cell is terminated instantly.
  • NE diffuses away from the synapse. (correct)
  • What role do voltage-gated Ca2+ channels play in the sympathetic neuroeffector junction?

    <p>They allow Ca2+ entry which induces exocytosis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process is responsible for the removal of norepinephrine (NE) from the synapse?

    <p>Active transport mechanisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What initiates the action potential at the varicosity of an axon?

    <p>Depolarization opening Na+ channels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of norepinephrine in the sympathetic nervous system?

    <p>Activation of adrenergic receptors leading to physiological responses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the process of neurotransmitter removal important?

    <p>To prevent continuous stimulation of the target cell</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component is essential for the entry of Ca2+ during the action potential at the varicosity?

    <p>Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the immediate effect of Ca2+ entry into the varicosity?

    <p>Release of norepinephrine through exocytosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary ion involved in creating the neuronal action potential?

    <p>Sodium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During the latent period of a muscle twitch, which phase occurs before tension develop?

    <p>E-C coupling phase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically the resting membrane potential in a muscle fiber?

    <p>−70 mV</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure transmits the action potential from the Central Nervous System to muscle fibers?

    <p>Motor neuron</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs during the contraction phase of a muscle twitch?

    <p>Cross-bridge cycling occurs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What triggers the exocytosis of synaptic vesicles in the axon varicosity?

    <p>Entry of calcium ions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to norepinephrine (NE) after it has activated the adrenergic receptor?

    <p>It is metabolized by monoamine oxidase (MAO)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the context of norepinephrine?

    <p>To metabolize norepinephrine after it diffuses away</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What triggers the opening of voltage-gated calcium channels?

    <p>Depolarization of the neuron</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of receptors do postganglionic parasympathetic target cells predominantly utilize?

    <p>G protein-coupled receptors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is norepinephrine removed from the synapse?

    <p>Through active transport into vesicles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs when norepinephrine binds to an adrenergic receptor?

    <p>Initiation of second messenger pathways</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of muscarinic receptors?

    <p>Directly promote exocytosis of neurotransmitters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What main effect does the influx of calcium ions have in the context of neurotransmission?

    <p>Triggers exocytosis of synaptic vesicles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does receptor activation in the sympathetic nervous system cease?

    <p>When norepinephrine diffuses away from the synapse</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of somatic pathways?

    <p>They are always excitatory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where is the cell body of a somatic motor neuron typically located?

    <p>In the ventral horn of the spinal cord or the brain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are varicosities primarily responsible for in autonomic synapses?

    <p>Releasing neurotransmitters over a large surface area</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What triggers the exocytosis of synaptic vesicles in sympathetic neuroeffector junctions?

    <p>The arrival of an action potential at the varicosity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What neurotransmitter is released at the neuromuscular junction?

    <p>Acetylcholine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which neurotransmitter is released at sympathetic neuroeffector junctions?

    <p>Norepinephrine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of receptors are found on the postsynaptic membrane of skeletal muscle fibers?

    <p>Nicotinic ACh receptors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does receptor activation cease after norepinephrine binds to its receptor?

    <p>Norepinephrine diffuses away from the synapse</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does relaxation of skeletal muscles occur?

    <p>When somatic motor neurons are inhibited in the CNS.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where are the primary autonomic neurotransmitters synthesized?

    <p>In the varicosities of postganglionic neurons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs when an action potential reaches the axon terminal of a somatic motor neuron?

    <p>Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels open.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does voltage-gated Ca2+ channels play in neurotransmitter release?

    <p>They facilitate the influx of calcium ions that stimulate exocytosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does calcium play at the axon terminal in somatic motor pathways?

    <p>It facilitates the fusion of synaptic vesicles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about somatic motor neurons is true?

    <p>They are always excitatory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of adrenergic receptors in postganglionic sympathetic target cells?

    <p>To mediate the effects of norepinephrine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the motor end plate on skeletal muscle fibers?

    <p>To increase the efficiency of neurotransmitter reception.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of monoamine oxidase (MAO) at the sympathetic neuroeffector junction?

    <p>To degrade norepinephrine after it has exerted its effect</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In somatic motor pathways, what would likely happen if the neuronal pathways were blocked?

    <p>Skeletal muscles would become paralyzed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Autonomic Synapses

    • Varicosities are swollen areas at the distal ends of autonomic axons containing neurotransmitters for release.
    • Neurotransmitters diffuse across the synapse and attach to receptors on target cells.
    • Primary autonomic neurotransmitters include acetylcholine and norepinephrine, both synthesized in the axon varicosities.

    Neurological Function at Sympathetic Neuroeffector Junction

    • Action potentials reach varicosities, which causes depolarization and the opening of voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels.
    • Entry of Ca²⁺ ions triggers the exocytosis of synaptic vesicles containing norepinephrine (NE).
    • NE binds to adrenergic receptors on target cells, leading to various physiological responses.
    • Activation of adrenergic receptors ceases when NE diffuses away and is removed via reuptake into synaptic vesicles or metabolism by monoamine oxidase (MAO).

    Receptor Types

    • Adrenergic receptors respond to norepinephrine and have multiple subtypes.
    • Muscarinic receptors, present in postganglionic parasympathetic cells, are G protein-coupled with various second messenger pathways and at least five subtypes.

    Somatic Motor Division

    • Somatic pathways are primarily voluntary and always excitatory, with no antagonistic innervation for relaxation.
    • The cell body of somatic motor neurons is located in the ventral horn of the spinal cord or the brain, projecting directly to skeletal muscle.
    • Activation of somatic motor neurons leads to contraction of skeletal muscles through acetylcholine (ACh) binding to nicotinic receptors.

    Neuromuscular Junction

    • An action potential at the axon terminal causes calcium channels to open, permitting Ca²⁺ influx.
    • This calcium entry causes synaptic vesicles to fuse with the presynaptic membrane, releasing ACh into the synaptic cleft.
    • ACh binds to nicotinic receptors on the motor end plate of the skeletal muscle fiber, leading to muscle fiber excitation.

    Muscle Contraction Dynamics

    • The process of muscle twitch consists of three phases: latent period, contraction phase, and relaxation phase.
    • The development of tension varies during each of these phases, and recording electrodes can measure changes in membrane potential in response to action potentials.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the structure and function of autonomic synapses, specifically focusing on varicosities and their role in neurotransmitter release. Understand how these swollen areas facilitate communication with target cells through diffusion and receptor binding.

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