Neural transmission across a mammalian synaptic gap is accomplished by
A) the movement of sodium and potassium ions from the presynaptic neuron 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 mammalian synaptic gap occurs via chemical signals known as neurotransmitters. When an impulse reaches the end of a presynaptic neuron, it triggers the release of these neurotransmitters into the synaptic gap, where they diffuse across and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, triggering another impulse. Sodium, potassium, and calcium ions do play a role in the process, but they function primarily in facilitating the release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron. Electrical currents and ricocheting impulses do not accurately describe the process of neural transmission across a synaptic gap.

Neural Transmission Across a Mammalian Synaptic Gap Is Accomplished by