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A synaptic potential exists at the INPUT of a neuron (dendrite), and an action potential occurs at the OUTPUT of a neuron (axon). (from OldGuy)


(from Ilantoren:) A synaptic potential is the result of many excitatory post synaptic potentials (epsp) each one caused by the synaptic vesicles released by the pre-synaptic terminus. If there are enough of these epsp then the responses will summate and depolarize the post-synaptic membrane at the axon hillock enough to fire an action potential.

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Which presynaptic cell must have action potentials to produce one or more action potentials in the postsynaptic cell?

The presynaptic cell that must have action potentials to produce one or more action potentials in the postsynaptic cell is the neuron releasing neurotransmitters at the synapse. When an action potential reaches the presynaptic terminal, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, which then bind to receptors on the postsynaptic cell membrane, leading to the generation of an action potential in the postsynaptic cell.


Which factors increase synaptic transmission?

Several factors can increase synaptic transmission, including the availability of neurotransmitters, the sensitivity of receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, and the frequency of action potentials in the presynaptic neuron. Enhanced calcium ion influx during action potentials also promotes neurotransmitter release. Additionally, the presence of neuromodulators, such as serotonin or dopamine, can facilitate synaptic strength and efficacy. Improved neuronal health and myelination can further support efficient synaptic communication.


What effect does depolarization have on the motor end plate once action potentials arrive at the synaptic end bulb?

Depolarization at the motor end plate upon arrival of action potentials triggers the release of neurotransmitter acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft. This acetylcholine then binds to receptors on the muscle cell membrane, initiating muscle contraction by depolarizing the muscle cell membrane and allowing the action potential to propagate along the muscle fiber.


Do action potentials occur in dendrites?

Action potentials typically do not occur in dendrites; instead, they usually originate in the axon hillock of a neuron. Dendrites primarily receive synaptic inputs and generate graded potentials, which can lead to the initiation of an action potential if the membrane potential reaches the threshold at the axon hillock. However, some specialized types of neurons, like certain types of sensory neurons, may exhibit local regenerative potentials in their dendrites. Overall, the main role of dendrites is to integrate incoming signals rather than generate action potentials.


What is the difference between local potential and action potential?

Local Potentials: Ligand regulated, may be depolarizing or hyperpolarizing, reversible, local, decremental Action Potentials: Voltage regulated, begins with depolarization, irreversible, self-propagating, nondecremental.

Related Questions

Spontaneous firing rate of a neuron?

a periodic production of action potentials even without synaptic input


What happens after nerve signal reaches a synaptic knob?

In general, action potentials that reach the synaptic knobs cause a neurotransmitter to be released into the synaptic cleft. The arrival of the action potential opens voltage-sensitive calcium channels in the presynaptic membrane.


What is local graded potential?

Local graded potentials are small changes in membrane potential that occur in response to neurotransmitter binding to ligand-gated ion channels on the post-synaptic neuron. These potentials can summate and affect the likelihood that an action potential will be generated in the neuron. They are also referred to as synaptic potentials.


Which presynaptic cell must have action potentials to produce one or more action potentials in the postsynaptic cell?

The presynaptic cell that must have action potentials to produce one or more action potentials in the postsynaptic cell is the neuron releasing neurotransmitters at the synapse. When an action potential reaches the presynaptic terminal, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, which then bind to receptors on the postsynaptic cell membrane, leading to the generation of an action potential in the postsynaptic cell.


Which factors increase synaptic transmission?

Several factors can increase synaptic transmission, including the availability of neurotransmitters, the sensitivity of receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, and the frequency of action potentials in the presynaptic neuron. Enhanced calcium ion influx during action potentials also promotes neurotransmitter release. Additionally, the presence of neuromodulators, such as serotonin or dopamine, can facilitate synaptic strength and efficacy. Improved neuronal health and myelination can further support efficient synaptic communication.


What effect does depolarization have on the motor end plate once action potentials arrive at the synaptic end bulb?

Depolarization at the motor end plate upon arrival of action potentials triggers the release of neurotransmitter acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft. This acetylcholine then binds to receptors on the muscle cell membrane, initiating muscle contraction by depolarizing the muscle cell membrane and allowing the action potential to propagate along the muscle fiber.


Describe the general structure of a synapse?

Synapses occur between two neurons. Electrical activitiy in the pre-synaptic neuron influences the post-synaptic neuron. There are two types of synapses in the body: Electrical and chemical. Electrical synapses occur in pre and post synaptic neurons that are joined via gap junctions. Currents from action potentials flow across the junction through channels called connexons. This current will depolarize the membrane of the post synaptic neuron to threshold, which will continue the action potential in the cell. Electrical synapses are fast and bidirectional. However, they are mainly found in cardiac and smooth muscles, and not in the mammalian nervous system.Chemical synapses use neurotransmitters. Depolarization occurs in the pre-synaptic neuron and calcium ions rush in. The calcium ions activate neurotransmitter release into the synaptic cleft. The neurotransmitters reach the post-synaptic neuron and cause action potentials to develop.Note: this can go into much more detail


Do action potentials occur in dendrites?

Action potentials typically do not occur in dendrites; instead, they usually originate in the axon hillock of a neuron. Dendrites primarily receive synaptic inputs and generate graded potentials, which can lead to the initiation of an action potential if the membrane potential reaches the threshold at the axon hillock. However, some specialized types of neurons, like certain types of sensory neurons, may exhibit local regenerative potentials in their dendrites. Overall, the main role of dendrites is to integrate incoming signals rather than generate action potentials.


What is the difference between local potential and action potential?

Local Potentials: Ligand regulated, may be depolarizing or hyperpolarizing, reversible, local, decremental Action Potentials: Voltage regulated, begins with depolarization, irreversible, self-propagating, nondecremental.


Action potentials travel the length of the axons of motor neurons to the axon terminals. These motor neurons . Action potentials travel the length of the axons of motor neurons to the axon terminals.?

These motor neurons transmit electrical signals from the spinal cord to muscle fibers, facilitating voluntary movement. When an action potential reaches the axon terminals, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, into the synaptic cleft. This neurotransmitter binds to receptors on the muscle fibers, leading to muscle contraction. Thus, the propagation of action potentials is crucial for effective communication between the nervous system and muscles.


Action potentials trigger the release of chemicals in the terminal buttons called?

neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft to relay signals to the next neuron in the communication pathway.


How do graded potentials and action potentials differ in terms of their characteristics and functions?

Graded potentials are small changes in membrane potential that can vary in size and duration, while action potentials are brief, large changes in membrane potential that are all-or-nothing. Graded potentials are used for short-distance communication within a neuron, while action potentials are used for long-distance communication between neurons.