An important function of the astrocytes is to regulate the chemical environment of the synaptic gap.In particular,the astrocytes remove excess amounts of which of the following chemicals from the gap?
A)magnesium
B)potassium
C)sodium
D)tetrodotoxin

Question

An important function of the astrocytes is to regulate the chemical environment of the synaptic gap.In particular,the astrocytes remove excess amounts of which of the following chemicals from the gap? 
A)magnesium 
B)potassium 
C)sodium 
D)tetrodotoxin

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The astrocytes remove excess amounts of potassium from the synaptic gap. This is important because an excess of potassium ions can cause depolarization and interfere with the normal functioning of neurons. Magnesium and sodium are also important ions in the synaptic gap, but they are not typically removed by astrocytes. Tetrodotoxin is a poison that blocks sodium channels and is not a naturally occurring chemical in the synaptic gap.

An Important Function of the Astrocytes Is to Regulate the Chemical