Synaptic integration

12 important questions on Synaptic integration

What distincts the response of a neuron to synaptic input to the response of a muscle fiber?

Neurons have to integrate the excitatory and inhibitory synaptic potentials before there can be an action potential.

Are postsynaptic potentials in the central nervous system usually enough to elicit an action potential?

No, they are very small and can be both excitatory and inhibitory.

Some neurons in the brain fire autonomously, what can be a function of inhibitory input to these neurons?

They can shape the firing pattern of these neurons... Therefore, the coding lies in the inhibition.
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Which type of synapse has a large active zone?

Type I Grey

How can an EPSP elicit a hyperpolarization?

The equilibrium potential for EPSPs is set at 0 V, because then the flux of K+ outwards is equal to the influx of Na+... When the membrane depolarizes more than 0mV the EPSP can cause a hyperpolarization due to reduced Na+ influx and increased K+ efflux.

What is the main effect of stimulation of a GABAa receptor?

Increase the conductance of the cell to Cl-, which has a equilibrium potential of -70mV.

Which inhibitory receptor (GABA or glycine) has a larger conductance for Cl-?

The glycine gated channels

What happens to the membrane potential when an ISPS arrives?

It will be reduced as the IPSP causes an influx of Cl-.

How can an IPSP prevent an action potential, even though the resting membrane potential is already ~-70mV?

The gated chloride channels contribute to the conductance of the passive ion channels, which contribution is weighted with the conductance of the voltage gated channels of the EPSP.

Explain how opening of Cl- channels sometimes can elicit excitation.

After intense neuronal firing the intracellular Cl level can change to such an extent that the ratio Out:In change, this changes the Ecl such that it can become higher than the resting membrane potential. Therefore, opening of Cl- channels can lead to depolarization and possibly synchronous firing seen in epilepsy.

Where can synaptic transmission take place? name presynaptic and postsynaptic place.

  • Axo-axonic
  • Axosomatic
  • Axodendritic

Which type of synaps is located on the soma?

Type II Gray, which is an inhibitory synapse.

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