Concept explainers
To determine: The way in which the given afferent pathway can be affected by exposing the entire neuron to a drug that blocks voltage-gated Ca2+ channels.
Introduction: Neurons, also known as nerve cells are the fundamental unit of brain and nervous system. They are electrically excitable cells that aids in communication with neighboring cells through special junctions known as synapses. Alpha and gamma neurons are essential for contraction and relaxation of the muscle fibers.
Explanation of Solution
Pictorial representation: Fig.1 represents the stimulation of an afferent neuron with a receptor ending.
Fig.1: Stimulation of an afferent neuron with a receptor ending.
The receptor potentials are not getting affected as they not mediated by the voltage-gated ion channels. There is a propagation of action potential to the CNS (central nervous system) as it depends on the voltage-gated K+ and Na+ channels. The release of neurotransmitter from the central axon terminal is inhibited by the drug, as the exocytosis of the vesicle needs the entry of calcium ions through the voltage gated ion channels.
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Chapter 7 Solutions
Vander's Human Physiology
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