Which of the following best defines a neurotransmitter?
A) a chemical messenger that crosses the synaptic gap between neurons
B) an electrical impulse that crosses the synaptic gap between neurons
C) a chemical communicator manufactured by glial cells
D) a microscopic channel through which sodium and potassium ions pass

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger that is released from the terminal buttons of one neuron and travels across the synaptic gap to bind to specific receptors on a neighboring neuron. This transmission of chemical signals helps to transmit nerve impulses between neurons. Option B is incorrect as electrical impulses do not cross the synaptic gap, they are responsible for transmitting signals along the length of a single neuron. Option C is incorrect as neurotransmitters are primarily manufactured by neurons, not glial cells. Option D is incorrect as a microscopic channel through which sodium and potassium ions pass refers to ion channels, which are involved in the propagation of electrical signals within neurons, but are not directly related to neurotransmitters.

Which of the Following Best Defines a Neurotransmitter