How are changes in stimulus intensity reflected in release of neurotransmitter in synapses along that pathway?
A) changed amount of neurotransmitter released
B) changed duration of neurotransmitter release
C) changed size of neurotransmitter release
D) changed number of types of neurotransmitter released

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Changes in stimulus intensity are most commonly reflected in the amount of neurotransmitter released from the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft. As the stimulus intensity increases, more neurotransmitter molecules are released, leading to greater activation of postsynaptic receptors and a stronger synaptic response. This is referred to as quantal neurotransmitter release, where each vesicle released into the synaptic cleft represents a quantum of neurotransmitter. The duration and size of neurotransmitter release may also be affected by changes in stimulus intensity, but these changes are less common than variations in the amount of neurotransmitter released. The number of types of neurotransmitter released is typically fixed for a given synapse and is not typically affected by changes in stimulus intensity.

How Are Changes in Stimulus Intensity Reflected in Release of Neurotransmitter