Neuronal Synapses and Signaling Quiz

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What is the function of synapses?

Form blood vessels in the brain

Enable rapid communication of information (correct)

Produce hormones in the brain

Generate electrical energy in the brain

Where does synaptic transmission occur?

At the synapse (correct)

In the muscles

In the blood vessels

In the spinal cord

Which part of the synapse is responsible for neurotransmitter release?

Postsynaptic receptor

Presynaptic terminal (axon bouton) (correct)

Synaptic vesicles

Postsynaptic density

What is the role of postsynaptic receptors?

Responsible for reception of the transmitter and converting chemical information back to electrical information Signup and view all the answers

How is presynaptic transmitter release achieved?

Exocytosis of synaptic vesicles Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of SNAREs in transmitter release?

Regulate synaptic vesicle fusion and recycling Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of neuronal synapses?

To regulate communication between neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of NMDA receptors?

To act as a coincidence detector for pre- and postsynaptic activation Signup and view all the answers

What type of receptors do glutamatergic synapses contain?

AMPA and NMDA receptors Signup and view all the answers

What is required for current to flow into the cell through NMDA receptors?

Glutamate release and postsynaptic depolarization Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of postsynaptic apparatus at neuronal synapses?

To receive neurotransmitters and allow regulated communication Signup and view all the answers

What is a measure of pre- and postsynaptic co-activation?

Magnitude of calcium influx through the NMDA receptor Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ion is AMPA receptor permeable to?

Na+ and K+ ions Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of magnesium (Mg++) in NMDA receptors at resting membrane potentials?

It blocks the receptor for ion flow Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for inhibitory synaptic transmission in the brain?

GABA Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of GABA and glycine receptors on the postsynapse?

Decreasing the probability of firing an action potential Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary excitatory transmitter in the brain?

Glutamate Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of mGluRs in synaptic transmission?

Activating the neuron through second messenger pathways Signup and view all the answers

What do NMDA receptors exhibit that makes their conductance of ions voltage-gated?

They are blocked by magnesium (Mg++) at resting membrane potentials Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of AMPA and NMDA receptors in the postsynaptic membrane?

Conducting current to activate the neuron Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between ion conductance in AMPA and NMDA receptors?

NMDA receptors exhibit voltage-gated conductance. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of glutamate receptor does not conduct current but instead activates the neuron through second messenger pathways?

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) Signup and view all the answers