receptors

What are the two ways action potential can move along the axon?

The action potential can move via saltatory conduction or continuous conduction.

What are the spaces between the myelin called?

Nodes of Ranvier.

What is the key threshold number needed to trigger an action potential?

Minus 55 mV.

How do action potentials encode the strength of a stimulus?

Through the frequency of action potentials.

What is the difference between action potentials and graded potentials?

Action potentials are all-or-nothing responses, while graded potentials vary in magnitude.

What triggers the opening of voltage-gated calcium ion channels?

A change in voltage due to an arriving action potential.

What happens to neurotransmitters after they are released into the synaptic cleft?

They bind to receptors on the postsynaptic cell and can be removed or broken down.

What is an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)?

Any influence that moves the cell towards the action potential threshold.

What ion channels are opened to create an EPSP?

Sodium or calcium ion channels.

What is an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)?

A change that makes the postsynaptic cell less likely to fire an action potential.

What ion channels are opened to create an IPSP?

Potassium or chloride ion channels.

What kind of receptors does acetylcholine bind to?

Cholinergic receptors.

What are the two types of cholinergic receptors?

Nicotinic and muscarinic receptors.

What is calmodulin's role in neurotransmitter release?

It binds calcium ions and plays a role in triggering exocytosis.

What effect does nicotine have on nicotinic cholinergic receptors?

It causes an excitatory response.

How does calcium ion concentration inside a cell compare to outside?

There are significantly fewer calcium ions inside the cell, creating a strong concentration gradient.