Synapse

Fill in the blank: _______ enters the pre-synaptic neuron.

• Ca²⁺

• Na⁺

• K⁺

• Cl⁻

The presence of _______ within the pre-synaptic neuron activates synaptic vesicles.

• Ca²⁺

• Na⁺

• K⁺

• Mg²⁺

Fill in the blank: Vesicles are released into the synaptic cleft through _______.

• exocytosis

• endocytosis

• osmosis

• diffusion

Neurotransmitters diffuse across the cleft and bind to _______ on the post-synaptic membrane.

• receptors (e.g. acetylcholine receptor)

• enzymes

• hormones

• ions

Fill in the blank: _______ in the synaptic cleft break down the neurotransmitter to reverse its effects.

• Enzymes (e.g. acetylcholinesterase)

• Proteins

• Lipids

• Carbohydrates

Axon terminals are the endpoints of a neuron where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals to the next neuron. What is their function in synaptic transmission?

• To receive signals from other neurons

• To release neurotransmitters

• To generate electrical impulses

• To insulate the neuron

The action potential triggers voltage-gated _______ channels to open on the pre-synaptic membrane.

• Ca²⁺

• Na⁺

• K⁺

• Cl⁻

Fill in the blank: Synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitters migrate to and fuse with the _______ membrane.

• pre-synaptic

• post-synaptic

• axonal

• dendritic

In some pre-synaptic neurons, _______ are present that help regulate the function of the pre-synaptic neuron.

• autoreceptors

• neurotransmitters

• synaptic vesicles

• axon terminals

What is the primary function of a synapse in the nervous system?

• To transmit electrical signals between neurons

• To store neurotransmitters

• To insulate neurons

• To generate action potentials