Synapses Flashcards
(22 cards)
What are synapses?
Gaps between nerve cells where action potentials cannot pass directly
Synapses use transmitter substances to facilitate communication between neurons.
What is the presynaptic membrane?
The membrane before the synapse that allows the release of neurotransmitters
It plays a crucial role in the transmission of impulses to the postsynaptic cell.
What occurs when an action potential arrives at a synapse?
The membrane depolarizes, calcium ion channels open, and calcium ions enter the neuron
This process is essential for neurotransmitter release.
What triggers the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane?
The entry of calcium ions into the neuron
Calcium ions are crucial for neurotransmitter release.
What is the role of neurotransmitters in a synapse?
They bind with receptors on the postsynaptic membrane to initiate an action potential
This binding allows sodium channels to open and depolarize the membrane.
What happens to neurotransmitters after they are released into the synaptic cleft?
They are taken up across the presynaptic membrane, broken down, or diffuse away
This process helps in terminating the signal transmission.
What is acetylcholine?
The first discovered neurotransmitter, involved in muscle stimulation
It is primarily produced in the brain.
How is acetylcholine broken down?
By acetylcholinesterase in the synaptic cleft
This breakdown is necessary for regulating neurotransmitter activity.
True or False: Botulism toxin stimulates the release of acetylcholine.
False
Botulism toxin prevents the release of acetylcholine, leading to paralysis.
What effect does botulism toxin have on respiratory muscles?
It paralyses them, causing suffocation and death
This demonstrates the critical role of acetylcholine in muscle function.
Fill in the blank: A typical synapse has a presynaptic knob containing vesicles filled with _______.
neurotransmitter
These vesicles release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft during transmission.
What are synapses?
Gaps between nerve cells where action potentials cannot pass directly
Synapses use transmitter substances to facilitate communication between neurons.
What is the presynaptic membrane?
The membrane before the synapse that allows the release of neurotransmitters
It plays a crucial role in the transmission of impulses to the postsynaptic cell.
What occurs when an action potential arrives at a synapse?
The membrane depolarizes, calcium ion channels open, and calcium ions enter the neuron
This process is essential for neurotransmitter release.
What triggers the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane?
The entry of calcium ions into the neuron
Calcium ions are crucial for neurotransmitter release.
What is the role of neurotransmitters in a synapse?
They bind with receptors on the postsynaptic membrane to initiate an action potential
This binding allows sodium channels to open and depolarize the membrane.
What happens to neurotransmitters after they are released into the synaptic cleft?
They are taken up across the presynaptic membrane, broken down, or diffuse away
This process helps in terminating the signal transmission.
What is acetylcholine?
The first discovered neurotransmitter, involved in muscle stimulation
It is primarily produced in the brain.
How is acetylcholine broken down?
By acetylcholinesterase in the synaptic cleft
This breakdown is necessary for regulating neurotransmitter activity.
True or False: Botulism toxin stimulates the release of acetylcholine.
False
Botulism toxin prevents the release of acetylcholine, leading to paralysis.
What effect does botulism toxin have on respiratory muscles?
It paralyses them, causing suffocation and death
This demonstrates the critical role of acetylcholine in muscle function.
Fill in the blank: A typical synapse has a presynaptic knob containing vesicles filled with _______.
neurotransmitter
These vesicles release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft during transmission.
