Neurotransmission Steps

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What is the primary function of the dendrites in a postsynaptic neuron?

To release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft
To generate an electrical signal that travels down the axon
To receive neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron (correct)
To integrate the signals from multiple synapses

What is the role of the axon terminals in a presynaptic neuron?

To generate an electrical signal that travels down the axon
To receive neurotransmitters from the postsynaptic neuron
To integrate the signals from multiple synapses
To release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft (correct)

What is the purpose of the synaptic cleft?

To release neurotransmitters into the postsynaptic neuron
To integrate the signals from multiple synapses
To generate an electrical signal that travels down the axon
To provide a space for neurotransmitters to bind to receptors (correct)

What happens to the neurotransmitters released by the presynaptic neuron?

They bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the direction of the signal transmission between neurons?

From presynaptic neuron to postsynaptic neuron (D) Signup and view all the answers

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 (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for receiving neurotransmitters released from the synaptic vesicle?

Receptor for neurotransmitter (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the synaptic vesicle?

To store and release neurotransmitters (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the small gap between the presynaptic neuron and the postsynaptic neuron?

Synaptic cleft (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which neurotransmitters bind to their receptors in the postsynaptic neuron?

Chemically gated transmission (B) Signup and view all the answers

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 (D) Signup and view all the answers

What occurs immediately after the neurotransmitter binds to receptors?

Ligand-gated ion channels open, allowing ions to flow (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of glial uptake in synaptic transmission?

To remove the neurotransmitter from the synaptic cleft (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the net result of the process of synaptic transmission?

The creation of a graded potential that can contribute to an action potential (D) Signup and view all the answers

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 (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the synaptic knob in synaptic transmission?

To facilitate the influx of Ca²⁺ ions (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an EPSP in a receiving neuron?

To generate an electrical signal called an action potential (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of an influx of Cl- ions in a postsynaptic neuron?

Hyperpolarization of the neuron (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of an EPSP on the membrane potential of a postsynaptic neuron?

It increases the membrane potential (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the net effect of an IPSP on a postsynaptic neuron?

It decreases the likelihood of reaching threshold (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the direction of K+ ions in an inhibitory synapse?

Efflux out of the postsynaptic neuron (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of potential do EPSPs and IPSPs represent?

Graded potential (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the myelin sheath around axons?

To protect the axons and increase transmission speed (D) Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the myelin sheath is damaged?

Nerve impulses slow or even stop (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of disorder is multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Autoimmune disorder (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Schwann cells in the myelination process?

To wrap around the axon and form the myelin sheath (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of nodes of Ranvier in the myelination process?

They are the gaps between the myelin sheath (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of nerve impulse transmission in myelinated axons?

Saltatory conduction (A) Signup and view all the answers