When more action potentials arrive at the axon terminal, how is the postsynaptic cell affected?
A) Neurotransmitter release increases, but does not change the graded potentials that follow.
B) Neurotransmitter release does not change, thus the postsynaptic cell behaves the same way it always behaves.
C) Neurotransmitter release increases, thereby increasing the frequency or magnitude of graded potentials in the postsynaptic cell.
D) Neurotransmitter release does not change, but voltages applied to the postsynaptic cell increase.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When more action potentials arrive at the axon terminal, there is an increase in the amount of neurotransmitter release into the synaptic cleft. As a result, the frequency or magnitude of graded potentials in the postsynaptic cell increases. This can lead to an increase in the likelihood of an action potential being generated in the postsynaptic cell.

When More Action Potentials Arrive at the Axon Terminal, How