Neural transmission across a mammalian synaptic gap is accomplished by
A)the movement of sodium and potassium ions from the presynaptic into the postsynaptic neuron.
B)impulses traveling as electrical currents across the gap.
C)impulses causing the release of a chemical signal and its diffusion across the gap.
D)impulses ricocheting back and forth across the gap.
E)the movement of calcium ions from the presynaptic into the postsynaptic neuron.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Neural transmission across a synaptic gap is achieved by the release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron in response to an action potential. These neurotransmitters diffuse across the gap and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, leading to ion channels opening and generating a new action potential. Sodium and potassium ion movement and calcium ion movement do play a role in the process, but it is the diffusion of neurotransmitters that is the primary mechanism of transmission. Electrical currents and impulses ricocheting back and forth across the gap are not accurate descriptions of synaptic transmission.

Neural Transmission Across a Mammalian Synaptic Gap Is Accomplished by