Which term describes the neuron that releases transmitter substances into the synaptic cleft?

Which term describes the neuron that releases transmitter substances into the synaptic cleft?

• A. Postsynaptic neuron
• B. Interneuron
• C. Presynaptic neuron
• D. Neuroglia

Answer: (C)

Chemical synaptic transmission depends on the neuron that releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. This neuron, called the presynaptic neuron, sends the signal by releasing transmitter substances from its axon terminal when an action potential arrives. Calcium influx triggers vesicles to fuse with the membrane and release neurotransmitters, which then bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron to influence its activity. The postsynaptic neuron is the one that receives the signal, not the one that releases it. Interneurons are neurons that relay signals within a circuit and can be presynaptic or postsynaptic depending on the synapse, while neuroglia are non-neuronal support cells.

Chemical synaptic transmission depends on the neuron that releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. This neuron, called the presynaptic neuron, sends the signal by releasing transmitter substances from its axon terminal when an action potential arrives. Calcium influx triggers vesicles to fuse with the membrane and release neurotransmitters, which then bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron to influence its activity. The postsynaptic neuron is the one that receives the signal, not the one that releases it. Interneurons are neurons that relay signals within a circuit and can be presynaptic or postsynaptic depending on the synapse, while neuroglia are non-neuronal support cells.