When an action potential reaches an axon terminal, it can cause the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.Which of the following is a possible sequence of events that could follow?
A) Neurotransmitters diffuse from the presynaptic neuron and cause demyelination of the postsynaptic neuron.
B) Neurotransmitters are actively transported by vesicles into the postsynaptic neuron, causing a local potential.
C) Neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron, exciting the presynaptic neuron.
D) Neurotransmitters remain in the synaptic cleft, changing the resting membrane potential of the postsynaptic neuron.
E) Neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft, bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, and inhibit activity in the postsynaptic neuron.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft, they diffuse across and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, which can either excite or inhibit activity in the postsynaptic neuron. Option A is incorrect because neurotransmitters do not cause demyelination of the postsynaptic neuron. Option B is incorrect because neurotransmitters are not actively transported into the postsynaptic neuron, but instead diffuse across the synaptic cleft. Option C is incorrect because neurotransmitters are not reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron, but instead are either broken down or taken up by nearby cells. Option D is incorrect because neurotransmitters do not remain in the synaptic cleft, but instead bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.

When an Action Potential Reaches an Axon Terminal, It Can