Synaptic Transmission Flashcards

Flashcards about synaptic transmission.

What triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft?

The influx of calcium ions into the presynaptic terminal.

Where are neurotransmitters stored before being released into the synaptic cleft?

Vesicles produced by the Golgi apparatus.

Which part of the postsynaptic neuron receives neurotransmitters?

Dendrites

What type of channels are located along the dendrite membrane wall?

Neurotransmitter-gated channels

What typically happens when neurotransmitters bind to their gated channels on the dendrites?

Sodium ions flow into the dendrites, causing the inside to become positive and potentially trigger an action potential.

Besides causing depolarization, what is another effect that neurotransmitters can have on the postsynaptic neuron?

They can inhibit the nerve by keeping channels closed or allowing negative ions (like chloride) to flow in, making the inside more negative.

Is synaptic transmission all or nothing?

No, synaptic transmission is a combination of inputs and can be positive, negative, or neutral, influencing whether the postsynaptic neuron fires.

How is the likelihood of a postsynaptic neuron firing determined?

By the accumulation and combination of neurotransmitters from multiple presynaptic neurons, considering both excitatory and inhibitory signals.

Besides the neurotransmitters, what else can modulate what happens in the synapse?

Nearby cells can release other signals, hormones, and chemicals that can influence synaptic activity.

Which neurotransmitter is most commonly used at the neuromuscular junction?

Acetylcholine

What causes rigor mortis after death?

The inability to degrade released acetylcholine, leading to constant muscle contraction until the acetylcholine naturally degrades over time.