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∙ 12y agoExocytosis
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∙ 12y agovoltage-gated calcium channels
Voltage-gated calcium channels are the ion channels that open during an action potential in the axon terminal of a motor neuron. These channels allow calcium ions to flow into the terminal, triggering the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal of a neuron, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic gap. These neurotransmitters then bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, causing ion channels to open and allow ions to flow in, generating a new action potential in the receiving neuron.
The period of repolarization of a neuron corresponds to the time when potassium ions move out of the neuron, allowing the cell to return to its resting potential. This phase follows the peak of the action potential when sodium channels close and potassium channels open, leading to membrane potential restoration. Repolarization is essential for the neuron to be able to generate subsequent action potentials.
When the action potential reaches the button(axon terminal) of the presynaptic neuron the depolarization causes voltage gated calcium channels to open increasing intracellular calcium content. This causes synaptic vesicles to fuse to the membrane and release neurotransmitters that bind to the post synaptic neuron and create a chemical action potential.
Action potentials travel within a neuron as electrical signals, but to move from one neuron to another, they must be converted into chemical signals at the synapse. At the synapse, neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron and received by receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, causing a new action potential to be generated in the receiving neuron.
The action potential begins when the neuron is stimulated and reaches a certain threshold of excitation. This causes voltage-gated ion channels to open, allowing a rapid influx of sodium ions into the neuron, leading to depolarization. This depolarization triggers a cascading effect along the neuron's membrane, resulting in the propagation of the action potential.
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it triggers the opening of voltage-gated calcium channels. The influx of calcium causes the synaptic vesicles to move towards the cell membrane and fuse with it, releasing neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
When an action potential reaches the end of a neuron's axon (presynaptic terminal), it triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the next neuron's dendrites, causing ion channels to open and generate a new action potential, continuing the signal transmission.
An action potential is generated at the axon hillock of a neuron, which is the region where the cell body (soma) transitions into the axon. This is where the concentration of voltage-gated sodium channels is highest, allowing for the initiation of the action potential.
The axon is the part of the neuron that can propagate an action potential. This process relies on the opening and closing of ion channels along the axon membrane to allow the action potential to travel from the cell body to the axon terminals.
The region of a neuron with voltage-gated sodium channels is the axon hillock. This is where action potentials are initiated in response to incoming signals. Sodium channels open in response to depolarization, allowing sodium ions to flow into the neuron and trigger an action potential.