Question

Which type of synapse is most prevalent in the nervous system?

A) electrical
B) mechanical
C) radiative
D) processing
E) chemical

Answer 1

The most common type of synapse in the nervous system is the chemical synapse, where neurotransmitters are released and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, leading to potential changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most prevalent type of synapse in the nervous system is the chemical synapse. Chemical synapses far outnumber electrical synapses and play a crucial role in neurotransmission. In a chemical synapse, neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron and travel across the synaptic cleft, where they bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, leading to a change in the postsynaptic membrane potential. This can result in excitatory or inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. Electrical synapses, in contrast, involve gap junctions that allow direct ion passage between neurons but are less common.