The surface on a neuron that discharges the contents of synaptic vesicles is the
A) dendrite.
B) axon hillock.
C) node of Ranvier.
D) postsynaptic membrane.
E) presynaptic membrane.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presynaptic membrane is the surface on a neuron that discharges the contents of synaptic vesicles. This is the side of the synaptic cleft that releases neurotransmitters to signal to the postsynaptic membrane. A is incorrect because dendrites receive signals, but do not release them. B is incorrect because the axon hillock is the junction between the cell body and the axon, and does not directly participate in neurotransmitter release. C is incorrect because the node of Ranvier is a gap in the myelin sheath of axons, and is not directly involved in neurotransmitter release. D is incorrect because the postsynaptic membrane is the surface of the neuron that receives the neurotransmitter signal, but does not release it.

The Surface on a Neuron That Discharges the Contents of Synaptic