46 Questions
What is the main function of a synapse?
Facilitating communication between neurons
What occurs when a neurotransmitter binds to its receptor on the post-synaptic cell?
It leads to the opening or closing of ion channels
What is the term for the special type of graded potential caused by ions moving in or out due to neurotransmitter action?
Post-synaptic potential
How are neurotransmitters typically removed from the synaptic cleft to stop chemical signals?
By enzymatic degradation or reuptake
What is the role of glial cells in neurotransmitter removal?
Assisting in reuptake of neurotransmitters
Which type of post-synaptic potential emphasizes inhibiting neural activity?
IPSP
What effect does an excitatory post-synaptic potential (EPSP) have on a neuron?
Increases the likelihood of an action potential
Which process occurs directly after a neurotransmitter binds to its receptor on a post-synaptic cell?
Opening of ion channels
'Summation' and 'synaptic integration' primarily relate to what aspect of neuronal function?
'Summation' concerns signal accumulation; 'synaptic integration' deals with signal processing.
Which mechanism leads to the inactivation and breakdown of neurotransmitters within the synaptic cleft?
Enzymatic degradation
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
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
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)
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
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
What triggers the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane in a chemical synapse?
Influx of calcium into the presynaptic cell
What type of synapse involves neurotransmitters binding to receptors on the postsynaptic cell?
Chemical synapse
In a chemical synapse, what occurs when an action potential reaches the axon terminal of the presynaptic cell?
Voltage-gated calcium channels open
What is the main function of voltage-gated calcium channels in a chemical synapse?
Promote the release of neurotransmitters
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
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
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
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
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
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
In a chemical synapse, the presynaptic cell releases neurotransmitters that inhibit receptors on the postsynaptic cell.
False
Voltage-gated calcium channels in a chemical synapse open when an action potential reaches the axon terminal of the postsynaptic cell.
False
Electrical synapses are the main focus in a chemical synapse.
False
The fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane in a chemical synapse is triggered by the efflux of calcium.
False
Neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft bind to receptors on the presynaptic cell in a chemical synapse.
False
What is the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine to stop the signal?
Acetylcholinesterase
Which type of receptor allows sodium influx causing depolarization and excitatory postsynaptic potential?
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
What is the primary neurotransmitter related to muscle contractions and Parkinson's disease?
Dopamine
Which neurotransmitter is primarily related to mood regulation and depression?
Serotonin
In proper brain function, imbalances in neurotransmitters can lead to conditions like:
Depression
Which type of acetylcholine receptor is a G-protein-coupled receptor?
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor
Which neurotransmitter is related to the 'fight or flight' response?
Norepinephrine
What neurotransmitter is important for memory and learning?
Glutamate
Match the neurotransmitter with its related function:
Dopamine = Muscle contractions and Parkinson's disease Serotonin = Mood and depression Norepinephrine = Fight or flight response Glutamate = Memory and learning
Match the acetylcholine receptor type with its effect on the postsynaptic cell:
Nicotinic (receptor-channel type) = Causes depolarization and excitatory postsynaptic potential by allowing sodium influx Muscarinic (G-protein-coupled receptor type) = Can be excitatory or inhibitory depending on the subtype
Match the neurotransmitter action outcome with its result:
Acetylcholine binding to receptor on presynaptic cell in a chemical synapse = Neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft bind to receptors on the presynaptic cell Neurotransmitters released into synaptic cleft bind to receptors on postsynaptic cell in a chemical synapse = Neurotransmitters cause excitatory or inhibitory effects on the postsynaptic cell
Match the ion movement effect with the type of graded potential it causes:
Sodium influx causing depolarization = Excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) Chloride influx causing hyperpolarization = Inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)
Match the neurotransmitter removal mechanism with its description:
Acetylcholine esterase = Breaks down acetylcholine to stop the signal Endocannabinoids = Lead to inactivation and breakdown of neurotransmitters within the synaptic cleft
Match the synapse component with its function:
Presynaptic cell = Releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft Postsynaptic membrane = Contains acetylcholine esterase to prevent acetylcholine from staying too long in the synaptic cleft
Match the term with its description:
Summation and synaptic integration = Relate primarily to integrating signals in a neuron Excitatory post-synaptic potential (EPSP) = Results in depolarization of a neuron
Match the type of post-synaptic potential with its effect on neural activity:
Excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) = Promotes neural activity Inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) = Inhibits neural activity
Explore how neurons communicate with other cells through the synapse. Learn about neurotransmitter release, receptor binding, postsynaptic potentials, and synaptic integration.
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