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Describe at least 2 processes at the synapse that shift the effect of an action potential of a pre synaptic cell on the response of a post synaptic cell.

Describe at least 2 processes at the synapse that shift the effect of an action potential of a pre synaptic cell on the response of a post synaptic cell.

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
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**Discussion on Synaptic Processes:** At the synapse, several processes can influence how the action potential of a presynaptic neuron affects the postsynaptic neuron. Here are at least two key mechanisms: 1. **Neurotransmitter Release and Reuptake:** - **Release:** The presynaptic neuron releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft when an action potential arrives. The amount and type of neurotransmitter can modulate the response of the postsynaptic cell. - **Reuptake or Degradation:** Removal of neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft through reuptake into the presynaptic neuron or enzymatic degradation can terminate or reduce the signal, altering the strength and duration of the postsynaptic response. 2. **Receptor Sensitivity and Density:** - **Sensitivity:** The response of the postsynaptic cell can vary based on the sensitivity of its receptors. Changes in receptor configuration can make them more or less responsive to the same amount of neurotransmitter. - **Density:** The number of available receptors in the postsynaptic membrane can also shift the effect. More receptors can increase the likelihood of neurotransmitter binding, enhancing the signal. These processes allow the nervous system to fine-tune signals and responses, playing a crucial role in neural communication and plasticity.
Transcribed Image Text:**Discussion on Synaptic Processes:** At the synapse, several processes can influence how the action potential of a presynaptic neuron affects the postsynaptic neuron. Here are at least two key mechanisms: 1. **Neurotransmitter Release and Reuptake:** - **Release:** The presynaptic neuron releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft when an action potential arrives. The amount and type of neurotransmitter can modulate the response of the postsynaptic cell. - **Reuptake or Degradation:** Removal of neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft through reuptake into the presynaptic neuron or enzymatic degradation can terminate or reduce the signal, altering the strength and duration of the postsynaptic response. 2. **Receptor Sensitivity and Density:** - **Sensitivity:** The response of the postsynaptic cell can vary based on the sensitivity of its receptors. Changes in receptor configuration can make them more or less responsive to the same amount of neurotransmitter. - **Density:** The number of available receptors in the postsynaptic membrane can also shift the effect. More receptors can increase the likelihood of neurotransmitter binding, enhancing the signal. These processes allow the nervous system to fine-tune signals and responses, playing a crucial role in neural communication and plasticity.
Expert Solution
Introduction:

The action potential is a sudden and rapid change in the resting membrane potential (RMP) caused by the activation of neurons. When electric impulses travel down the axon towards the axon terminal, neurotransmitters are released, inhibiting or excitatory postsynaptic cells.
The voltage differential across the cell membrane at rest (no signal) is referred to as resting membrane potential (RMP). Action Potential occurs through 3 phases that include:

  • Depolarization
  • Repolarization
  • Hyperpolarization
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