28 Questions
What is the primary function of the dendrites in a postsynaptic neuron?
To receive neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron
What is the role of the axon terminals in a presynaptic neuron?
To release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft
What is the purpose of the synaptic cleft?
To provide a space for neurotransmitters to bind to receptors
What happens to the neurotransmitters released by the presynaptic neuron?
They bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron
What is the direction of the signal transmission between neurons?
From presynaptic neuron to postsynaptic neuron
What is the primary function of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in the synaptic transmission process?
To regulate the release of neurotransmitters from the synaptic vesicle
Which structure is responsible for receiving neurotransmitters released from the synaptic vesicle?
Receptor for neurotransmitter
What is the primary function of the synaptic vesicle?
To store and release neurotransmitters
What is the term for the small gap between the presynaptic neuron and the postsynaptic neuron?
Synaptic cleft
What is the term for the process by which neurotransmitters bind to their receptors in the postsynaptic neuron?
Chemically gated transmission
What is the primary function of voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels in the synaptic transmission process?
To allow the influx of Ca²⁺ ions, enabling vesicle docking and neurotransmitter release
What occurs immediately after the neurotransmitter binds to receptors?
Ligand-gated ion channels open, allowing ions to flow
What is the purpose of glial uptake in synaptic transmission?
To remove the neurotransmitter from the synaptic cleft
What is the net result of the process of synaptic transmission?
The creation of a graded potential that can contribute to an action potential
During which step of synaptic transmission does the vesicular membrane get retrieved from the plasma membrane?
After the removal of the neurotransmitter by glial uptake
What is the primary function of the synaptic knob in synaptic transmission?
To facilitate the influx of Ca²⁺ ions
What is the primary function of an EPSP in a receiving neuron?
To generate an electrical signal called an action potential
What is the result of an influx of Cl- ions in a postsynaptic neuron?
Hyperpolarization of the neuron
What is the effect of an EPSP on the membrane potential of a postsynaptic neuron?
It increases the membrane potential
What is the net effect of an IPSP on a postsynaptic neuron?
It decreases the likelihood of reaching threshold
What is the direction of K+ ions in an inhibitory synapse?
Efflux out of the postsynaptic neuron
What type of potential do EPSPs and IPSPs represent?
Graded potential
What is the primary function of the myelin sheath around axons?
To protect the axons and increase transmission speed
What happens when the myelin sheath is damaged?
Nerve impulses slow or even stop
What type of disorder is multiple sclerosis (MS)?
Autoimmune disorder
What is the function of Schwann cells in the myelination process?
To wrap around the axon and form the myelin sheath
What is the significance of nodes of Ranvier in the myelination process?
They are the gaps between the myelin sheath
What is the term for the process of nerve impulse transmission in myelinated axons?
Saltatory conduction
Learn the steps involved in neurotransmission, from the action potential reaching the axon terminal to the binding of neurotransmitters to ion channels and the creation of an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron.
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