Synapse

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What is the main function of a synapse?

Initiating muscle contractions

Facilitating communication between neurons (correct)

Producing neurotransmitters

Ensuring blood flow to the brain

What occurs when a neurotransmitter binds to its receptor on the post-synaptic cell?

It leads to the opening or closing of ion channels (correct)

It triggers muscle contraction

It activates the process of cellular respiration

It results in the direct activation of the presynaptic neuron

What is the term for the special type of graded potential caused by ions moving in or out due to neurotransmitter action?

Action potential

Synaptic potential

Post-synaptic potential (correct)

Neurotransmitter potential

How are neurotransmitters typically removed from the synaptic cleft to stop chemical signals?

By enzymatic degradation or reuptake Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of glial cells in neurotransmitter removal?

Assisting in reuptake of neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

Which type of post-synaptic potential emphasizes inhibiting neural activity?

IPSP Signup and view all the answers

What effect does an excitatory post-synaptic potential (EPSP) have on a neuron?

Increases the likelihood of an action potential Signup and view all the answers

Which process occurs directly after a neurotransmitter binds to its receptor on a post-synaptic cell?

Opening of ion channels Signup and view all the answers

'Summation' and 'synaptic integration' primarily relate to what aspect of neuronal function?

'Summation' concerns signal accumulation; 'synaptic integration' deals with signal processing. Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism leads to the inactivation and breakdown of neurotransmitters within the synaptic cleft?

Enzymatic degradation Signup and view all the answers

Match the neurotransmitter removal mechanism with its description:

Reuptake = Neurotransmitter is brought back into the pre-synaptic cell or a nearby glial cell by endocytosis Enzymatic degradation = An enzyme within the synaptic cleft inactivates the neurotransmitter, often by breaking it down Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

EPSP = Excitatory post-synaptic potential that enhances neuronal activity IPSP = Inhibitory post-synaptic potential that inhibits neural activity Signup and view all the answers

Match the ion movement effect with the type of graded potential it causes:

Ions move in or out = Causes a post-synaptic potential Ions only move out = Causes an excitatory post-synaptic potential (EPSP) Signup and view all the answers

Match the neurotransmitter action outcome with its result:

Neurotransmitter binds to its receptor on the post-synaptic cell = Leads directly or indirectly to the opening or closing of ion channels Neurotransmitter is removed from the synaptic cleft = Stops the chemical signals between cells Signup and view all the answers

Match the synapse component with its function:

Axon terminal of presynaptic neuron = Location where neurotransmitter is released into the synaptic cleft Synaptic cleft = Space where neurotransmitter diffuses to reach post-synaptic receptors Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane in a chemical synapse?

Influx of calcium into the presynaptic cell Signup and view all the answers

What type of synapse involves neurotransmitters binding to receptors on the postsynaptic cell?

Chemical synapse Signup and view all the answers

In a chemical synapse, what occurs when an action potential reaches the axon terminal of the presynaptic cell?

Voltage-gated calcium channels open Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of voltage-gated calcium channels in a chemical synapse?

Promote the release of neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

Which type of synapses occur in the heart and certain areas of the brain but are not the focus in the provided text?

Electrical synapses Signup and view all the answers

Match the ion movement with its effect in a chemical synapse:

Calcium influx = Triggers the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane Potassium efflux = Contributes to repolarization of the presynaptic cell after an action potential Sodium influx = Contributes to depolarization of the presynaptic cell during an action potential Chloride influx = Can hyperpolarize the postsynaptic cell, making it less likely to fire Signup and view all the answers

Match the neurotransmitter removal mechanism with its description:

Reuptake by presynaptic cell = Neurotransmitters are taken back up into the presynaptic cell for recycling Enzymatic degradation = Neurotransmitters are broken down by enzymes in the synaptic cleft Diffusion away from synapse = Neurotransmitters drift away from the synapse and are dispersed in extracellular fluid Uptake by surrounding glial cells = Neurotransmitters are absorbed by glial cells to terminate their signaling Signup and view all the answers

Match the neurotransmitter action outcome with its result:

Excitatory effect = Leads to depolarization of the postsynaptic cell, increasing likelihood of firing Inhibitory effect = Leads to hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic cell, decreasing likelihood of firing Modulatory effect = Alters the sensitivity or response of the postsynaptic cell to other neurotransmitters Neuromodulatory effect = Induces changes in gene expression or long-term cellular changes in the postsynaptic cell Signup and view all the answers

Match the term with its description:

Synaptic cleft = The small gap between the presynaptic and postsynaptic cells where neurotransmitters diffuse Voltage-gated calcium channels = Channels that open in response to an action potential, allowing calcium entry Axon terminal = The end of the presynaptic neuron where neurotransmitter release occurs Postsynaptic membrane = The membrane of the cell receiving neurotransmitter signals Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of graded potential with its cause:

Excitatory post-synaptic potential (EPSP) = Caused by depolarizing currents entering the postsynaptic cell Inhibitory post-synaptic potential (IPSP) = Caused by hyperpolarizing currents entering the postsynaptic cell Temporal summation = Integration of EPSPs or IPSPs that arrive at different times but from a single presynaptic neuron Spatial summation = Integration of EPSPs or IPSPs that arrive at the same time but from different presynaptic neurons Signup and view all the answers