Neuroscience-Chapter 5

Question 1

What happens in the case of chemical synapses?

Answer 1

Selective pores are activated by the neurotransmitters binding to postsynaptic receptors following release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic terminal

Question 2

What are the two categories of neurotransmitters?

Answer 2

Small-molecule transmitters and neuropeptides

Question 3

How are neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft?

Answer 3

Neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft in a Ca2+ dependent manner. (Ca2+ flows into the cell and neurotransmitters are released)

Question 4

What is an end plate current (EPC)?

Answer 4

The macroscopic current resulting from the summed opening of many ion channels.

Question 5

How is neurotransmitter removed from the synaptic cleft?

Answer 5

Glial uptake or enzymatic degradation