To increase the amount of neurotransmitter released onto a postsynaptic cell, the presynaptic cell would have to
A) send action potentials with higher voltage (higher amplitude).
B) send action potentials with longer durations.
C) send action potentials with higher frequency.
D) do nothing; no change is possible since the all-or-none law is in effect.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increasing the frequency of action potentials allows for more neurotransmitter to be released from the presynaptic cell, increasing the amount that can bind to receptors on the postsynaptic cell. The all-or-none law refers to the fact that an action potential either fires or doesn't fire based on a certain threshold, so changing the amplitude or duration would not necessarily increase the amount of neurotransmitter released.

To Increase the Amount of Neurotransmitter Released onto a Postsynaptic