Week 4: Post Synaptic Transmission & Neuromuscular Junction

Question 1

Process where multiple neurons synapse onto a single postsynaptic cell

Answer 1

CONVERGENCE

Question 2

Process where a single neuron sends output to multiple targets

Answer 2

DIVERGENCE

Question 3

Change in the postsynaptic cell membrane due to receptor-ligand interaction

Answer 3

POSTSYNAPTIC POTENTIAL

Question 4

Receptors that open ion channels directly upon transmitter binding

Answer 4

TRANSMITTER-GATED ION CHANNELS

Question 5

Receptors that initiate slower, second-messenger cascades via G proteins

Answer 5

G-PROTEIN LINKED RECEPTORS

Question 6

Charge-based channels selective for general cations (Na+/K+) or anions (Cl-/K+)

Answer 6

POSTSYNAPTIC ION SELECTIVITY

Question 7

Type of synaptic input that leads to depolarization

Answer 7

EXCITATORY POSTSYNAPTIC POTENTIAL (EPSP)

Question 8

Type of synaptic input that leads to hyperpolarization

Answer 8

INHIBITORY POSTSYNAPTIC POTENTIAL (IPSP)

Question 9

Synaptic inputs occurring close together in time that summate

Answer 9

TEMPORAL SUMMATION

Question 10

Synaptic inputs occurring at different locations that combine

Answer 10

SPATIAL SUMMATION

Question 11

Passive spread of postsynaptic potential that weakens with distance

Answer 11

ELECTROTONIC CONDUCTION

Question 12

Summed inputs at the axon hillock must reach this level to trigger an action potential

Answer 12

THRESHOLD POTENTIAL

Question 13

Synapses closer to the axon hillock have greater influence on action potential initiation

Answer 13

LOCATION EFFECTIVENESS

Question 14

Factors like transmitter release, prior activity, or receptor sensitivity that modify synaptic transmission

Answer 14

SYNAPTIC PLASTICITY

Question 15

Large, myelinated neurons that connect spinal cord to skeletal muscle

Answer 15

ALPHA MOTOR NEURONS

Question 16

Specialized area on muscle membrane that receives input from motor neurons

Answer 16

MOTOR END PLATE

Question 17

Chemical transmitter used at the neuromuscular junction

Answer 17

ACETYLCHOLINE (ACh)

Question 18

Structure formed by the connection of a motor neuron and skeletal muscle fiber

Answer 18

NEUROMUSCULAR JUNCTION (NMJ)

Question 19

Ion required for neurotransmitter vesicle release into the synaptic cleft

Answer 19

CALCIUM (CA²⁺)

Question 20

Recycling process for vesicle membranes in the presynaptic terminal

Answer 20

CLATHRIN-MEDIATED ENDOCYTOSIS

Question 21

Five-subunit ion channel activated by ACh at the NMJ

Answer 21

NICOTINIC ACh RECEPTOR

Question 22

Postsynaptic voltage change in muscle caused by ACh binding

Answer 22

END PLATE POTENTIAL (EPP)

Question 23

1:1 ratio of neuron AP to muscle fiber AP due to high receptor density and vesicle content

Answer 23

HIGH SAFETY MARGIN

Question 24

Mechanism that clears ACh from synaptic cleft to stop muscle contraction

Answer 24

ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE

Question 25

Orderly activation of motor units from smallest to largest for force modulation

Answer 25

SIZE PRINCIPLE

Question 26

Group of muscle fibers innervated by a single alpha motor neuron

Answer 26

MOTOR UNIT

Question 27

Graded muscle force achieved by activating more motor units

Answer 27

SPATIAL SUMMATION (MUSCLE)

Question 28

Graded muscle force achieved by increasing the firing rate of a motor neuron

Answer 28

TEMPORAL SUMMATION (RATE CODING)

Question 29

Sustained muscle contraction from rapid repeated stimulation

Answer 29

TETANUS

Question 30

Cumulative force response that is stronger than a single muscle twitch

Answer 30

SUMMATION