If one measures the voltage potential of a presynaptic neuron and a postsynaptic neuron that form a synapse, the magnitude of the potential measured at the postsynaptic membrane is typically ______________________ the potential measured at the presynaptic membrane when an action potential arrives at the presynaptic neuron's axon terminal.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When an action potential arrives at the presynaptic neuron's axon terminal, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synapse, which then bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane. This binding causes the opening of ion channels, which can depolarize or hyperpolarize the postsynaptic neuron. The magnitude of the potential at the postsynaptic membrane depends on the type and number of receptors, as well as the ion channels involved. In most cases, the potential measured at the postsynaptic membrane is smaller than that measured at the presynaptic membrane, due to the electrical and chemical properties of the synapse.

If One Measures the Voltage Potential of a Presynaptic Neuron