Nerve Physiology #3: Synaptic Transmission

Front

Sodium channels on the dendrites are _______ gated.

Back

Chemically gated.

Front

What is the junction at which a neuron meets another cell?

Back

Synapse.

Front

What event corresponds to the depolarization of the resting potential in the post-synaptic neuron?

Back

Nerve impulse is created.

Front

What is a chemical that axons secrete to transmit the message to another neuron?

Back

Neurotransmitter.

Front

Which ion influx at the axon terminal causes exocytosis of neurotransmitters into the cleft?

Back

Calcium.

Front

What is the role of neurotransmitters in synaptic transmission?

Back

They transmit signals across the synaptic cleft to the post-synaptic neuron.

Front

What happens to sodium channels during depolarization?

Back

They open, allowing sodium ions to enter the neuron.

Front

What is the function of the synaptic cleft?

Back

It is the space between the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Front

What is the difference between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters?

Back

Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the likelihood of a nerve impulse, while inhibitory neurotransmitters decrease it.

Front

What is the process of reuptake in synaptic transmission?

Back

It is the process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the pre-synaptic neuron after transmitting a signal.