The main function of neurons is to receive information, process this information, formulate an appropriate response, and then transmit this response to other cells. Information is transmitted to another cell across a synapse. The neuron sending the information is referred to as the pre-synaptic neuron. The cell receiving the information at the other end of the synapse is called the post-synaptic cell. The post-synaptic cell can be another neuron, a muscle cell, an endocrine cell, or other cell type. Much of information processing in the brain takes place at the level of the synapse. Test your basic knowledge of synaptic neurotransmission by taking this simple quiz.
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(1) In a typical chemical synaptic cleft, the extracellular distance between the presynaptic plasma membrane and the postsynaptic plasma membrane is approximately:
(2) In a typical electrical synapse, the extracellular distance between the presynaptic plasma membrane and the postsynaptic plasma membrane is approximately:
(3) At chemical synapses, inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) can be produced by:
(4) At chemical synapses, excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) can be produced by:
(5) In the presynaptic terminal of chemical synapses, this component of the SNARE complex is thought to be the Ca2+ sensor:
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Posted: Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Last updated: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Last updated: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
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