Synapses and Neuronal Communication Quiz

What is a synapse?

• A type of electrical impulse

• A region where two neurons come close enough to communicate

• A part of the brainstem

• A type of neurotransmitter

What are the two main types of synapses?

• Axodendritic and axon terminals

• Chemical and electrical

• Presynaptic and postsynaptic

• Neurotransmitter and synaptic cleft

What is the function of neurotransmitters at a chemical synapse?

• To create a synaptic cleft

• To interact with receptors on the postsynaptic neuron

• To remove excess ions

• To release electrical impulses

What is the purpose of the synaptic cleft?

• To prevent communication between neurons

• To store neurotransmitters

• To separate the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons

• To amplify electrical signals

How are neurotransmitter molecules removed from the synaptic cleft?

• Through simple diffusion and enzymatic degradation

• Through enzymatic degradation and reuptake

• Through reuptake and electrical signaling

• Through electrical signaling and diffusion

What is the primary mode of communication at electrical synapses?

• Exocytosis of vesicles

• Diffusion of ions

• Release of neurotransmitters

• Flow of charged particles through gap junction channels

What is a benefit of electrical synapses?

• Ability to synchronize electrical activity among neurons

• Fast and virtually instantaneous transmission

• Amplification of signals

• Ability to release thousands of neurotransmitter molecules

Why are chemical synapses prevalent in the human nervous system?

• They enable fast and instantaneous transmission

• They can amplify signals substantially

• They allow communication in both directions

• They involve a slight delay in transmission

What is the role of gap junction channels at electrical synapses?

• To store excess ions

• To release neurotransmitters

• To separate the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons

• To allow flow of charged particles between neurons

What is the primary method of removing neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft?

• Simple diffusion

• Enzymatic degradation

• Reuptake

• Electrical signaling