Nervous system: synaptic transmission

Question 1

Step 1

Answer 1

Action potential arrives at
axon terminal.

Question 2

Step 2

Answer 2

Voltage-gated calcium
channels open and calcium
enters the axon terminal.

Question 3

Step 3

Answer 3

Calcium entry causes
synaptic vesicle to release
neurotransmitter.

Question 4

Step 4

Answer 4

Neurotransmitters diffuse
across the synaptic cleft and bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic membrane.

Question 5

Step 5

Answer 5

Neurotransmitter effects are terminated by reuptake into presynaptic neuron and diffusion (as well as degradation by enzymes).