Neuron Phys & Synapse

Front

What are neurotransmitters?

Back

Chemical messengers released from the presynaptic neuron that transmit signals across the synapse to the postsynaptic neuron.

Front

What is the synaptic cleft?

Back

The small gap between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite of another, where neurotransmitters are released.

Front

What is the role of the axon terminal?

Back

The axon terminal (pre-synaptic bulb) is the end of a neuron where neurotransmitters are stored and released into the synaptic cleft.

Front

What is resting potential?

Back

The electrical potential of a neuron when it is not actively sending a signal, typically around -70mV.

Front

Which ion is primarily involved in maintaining resting potential?

Back

Potassium (K+) ions are pumped into the axon to help maintain resting potential.

Front

What happens during synaptic transmission?

Back

Neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron, cross the synaptic cleft, and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.

Front

What is the function of dendrites?

Back

Dendrites are the branched extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Front

What is the difference between presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons?

Back

The presynaptic neuron sends the signal and releases neurotransmitters, while the postsynaptic neuron receives the signal.

Front

What is an action potential?

Back

A rapid rise and fall in voltage across a cellular membrane, which occurs when a neuron sends a signal.

Front

What role do calcium ions play in neurotransmitter release?

Back

Calcium ions (Ca2+) enter the axon terminal when an action potential arrives, triggering the release of neurotransmitters.