Neural conduction and synaptic transmission

The steady membrane potential of about −70 mV is called the

• Neuron's resting potential

• Resting Membrane Potential

In its resting state, with

the −70 mV charge built up across its membrane, a neuron is said to be what?

• polarized

• depolarized

• hyperpolarized

Like all salts in solution, the salts in neural tissue separate into positively and negatively charged particles called

• ions

• sodium

• potassium

a difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of the cell.

• Polarization

• Depolarization

• Hyperpolarization

• None of the above

This difference in voltage is called the

• Resting potential

• Polarization

• Electrical Gradient

If charged ions could flow freely across the membrane, the membrane would hyperpolarize, eliminating the positive potential inside. However, the membrane has selective permeability.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

If charged ions could flow freely across the membrane, the membrane would depolarize, eliminating the negative potential inside. However, the membrane has selective permeability.

It refers to membrane's ability to differentiate between different types of molecules, only allowing some molecules through while blocking others.

• Selective Permeability

• Blood brain barrier

Sodium-potassium pump moves two potassium ions into the cell where potassium levels are high, and pumps three sodium ions out of the cell and into the extracellular fluid.

• True

• False

When neurons fire, they release from their terminal buttons chemicals called neurotransmitters, which diffuse across the ______ _____ and interact with specialized receptor molecules on the receptive membranes of the next neurons in the circuit.

• synaptic clefts

• Synapse

• syanptic gap

When neurotransmitter molecules bind to postsynaptic receptors, they may _______ the receptive membrane (decrease the resting membrane potential, from −70 to −67 mV, for example)

• Depolarize

• Hyperpolarize