What are the chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gap between neurons?

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Multiple Choice

What are the chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gap between neurons?

Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gap between neurons. When an action potential reaches the presynaptic terminal, calcium ions enter and trigger the release of neurotransmitters from vesicles into the synaptic cleft. These molecules diffuse across the gap and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, altering its membrane potential. Depending on the receptor, this can either excite the postsynaptic cell (promoting firing) or inhibit it (preventing firing). Examples include glutamate, which is typically excitatory, and GABA, which is typically inhibitory. Hormones travel through the bloodstream to act on distant targets, not across a single synapse. Receptors are the proteins that bind neurotransmitters, not the messengers themselves. Neurons are the cells that transmit signals, not the chemical substances that carry messages across the synapse.

Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gap between neurons. When an action potential reaches the presynaptic terminal, calcium ions enter and trigger the release of neurotransmitters from vesicles into the synaptic cleft. These molecules diffuse across the gap and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, altering its membrane potential. Depending on the receptor, this can either excite the postsynaptic cell (promoting firing) or inhibit it (preventing firing). Examples include glutamate, which is typically excitatory, and GABA, which is typically inhibitory.

Hormones travel through the bloodstream to act on distant targets, not across a single synapse. Receptors are the proteins that bind neurotransmitters, not the messengers themselves. Neurons are the cells that transmit signals, not the chemical substances that carry messages across the synapse.

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