13 Questions
What is the primary function of an action potential?
To transmit signals between neurons
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an action potential?
It is a graded potential
What is the role of the sodium ion channels in an action potential?
They allow sodium ions to enter the cell
What is the term for the period during which an action potential cannot be triggered again?
Refractory period
What is the result of the depolarization phase of an action potential?
The membrane potential becomes more positive
What is the purpose of synaptic vesicles in neurotransmission?
To release neurotransmitters into the synapse
What happens to excess neurotransmitters in the synapse?
They are broken down by enzymes
What is the role of excitatory neurotransmitters?
To increase the likelihood of an action potential
What is synaptic plasticity?
The strengthening or weakening of synaptic connections based on experience
What is the role of modulatory neurotransmitters?
To modify the strength or duration of synaptic transmission
What is the purpose of neurotransmitter receptors?
To bind neurotransmitters
What happens when an action potential reaches the terminal end of a neuron?
The synaptic vesicles release neurotransmitters into the synapse
What is the role of neurotrophic factors?
To promote the growth and survival of neurons
Study Notes
Action Potential
- The primary function of an action potential is to transmit information from one location to another within a neuron.
Characteristics of an Action Potential
- An action potential is NOT a gradual change in membrane potential, but rather a rapid, all-or-nothing response.
Sodium Ion Channels
- The role of sodium ion channels in an action potential is to rapidly open and allow a rapid influx of sodium ions into the cell, causing depolarization.
Refractory Period
- The term for the period during which an action potential cannot be triggered again is the refractory period.
Depolarization Phase
- The result of the depolarization phase of an action potential is a rapid increase in the positive charge inside the cell, causing the membrane potential to become less negative.
Neurotransmission
Overview
- Neurotransmission is the process of communication between neurons through synapses
- It involves the release of neurotransmitters from the terminal end of one neuron, which then bind to receptors on adjacent neurons
Steps of Neurotransmission
- Neurotransmitters are synthesized in the neuron and packaged into synaptic vesicles
- Action potential triggers the release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles into the synapse
- Neurotransmitters bind to specific receptors on adjacent neurons
- Binding of neurotransmitters to receptors triggers a series of chemical reactions that can either excite or inhibit the postsynaptic neuron
- Excess neurotransmitters are either broken down by enzymes or taken back up by the neuron through reuptake
Neurotransmitters
- Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the likelihood of an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron
- Examples of excitatory neurotransmitters: Glutamate, Aspartate
- Inhibitory neurotransmitters decrease the likelihood of an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron
- Examples of inhibitory neurotransmitters: GABA, Glycine
- Modulatory neurotransmitters modify the strength or duration of synaptic transmission
- Examples of modulatory neurotransmitters: Dopamine, Serotonin, Acetylcholine
Regulation of Neurotransmission
- Synaptic plasticity is the strengthening or weakening of synaptic connections based on experience
- Neurotransmitter receptors can be modified or changed in response to experience or environmental factors
- Neurotrophic factors are proteins that promote the growth and survival of neurons, and can influence neurotransmission
This quiz assesses knowledge of action potentials, including their primary function, characteristics, and ion channels. It also covers the refractory period and depolarization phase.
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