Why is it not normally possible for action potentials in the postsynaptic neuron to produce an action potential in the presynaptic neuron?
A) because the axon terminals of presynaptic neurons have no acetylcholine receptors
B) because the presynaptic neurons do not have a resting membrane potential
C) because the synaptic cleft allows the diffusion of acetylcholine in one direction only
D) because the synaptic vesicles in the postsynaptic terminal are inactive
E) both because the presynaptic neurons do not have a resting membrane potential and because the synaptic cleft allows the diffusion of acetylcholine in one direction only

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Action potentials typically travel in one direction, from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron, due to the specialized structures and molecular mechanisms at the synapse. The axon terminals of presynaptic neurons are designed to release neurotransmitters (like acetylcholine) into the synaptic cleft, not to receive them, hence they lack acetylcholine receptors. This unidirectional communication ensures the precise control of neural signaling pathways.

Why Is It Not Normally Possible for Action Potentials in the Postsynaptic