Excitable cells Flashcards
What is the purpose of an intercalated disc between two excitable cells
Electrically links them: what happens in one cell happens in the next.
What is the purpose of Ca in neurotransmitter release
Causes mobilisation of vesicles
What factors can cause reduced vesicle release
low Ca
high Mg
Curare
Describe what happens in the neurons involved in the knee jerk reflex
The muscle spindle cells are stretched by the stimulus
So a sensory neuron sends a signal to the spinal cord via the dorsal horn at which an inhibitory neuron and a motor neuron are stimulated. The inhibitory neuron prevents contraction of the flexor; the motor neuron activated will cause the contraction of the extensor
What affect does glycine have on polarisation of a neuron
It opens Cl- ion channels so causes hyperpolarisation
