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An instructor is teaching nursing students about neurotransmitters. Which term best explains the process of how neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft may return to the presynaptic neuron?

A. Regeneration
B. Reuptake
C. Recycling
D. Retransmission

User AndiM
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Final answer:

The term that best explains the return of neurotransmitters to the presynaptic neuron is 'reuptake', which recycles neurotransmitters by moving them back into the presynaptic neuron after their initial release and signaling.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process by which neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft may return to the presynaptic neuron is known as reuptake. During neurotransmission, once a nerve impulse has been sent, the leftover neurotransmitters need to be cleared from the synaptic cleft to allow the postsynaptic neuron to reset and be ready for a new signal. Reuptake is the mechanism that retrieves neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft and moves them back into the synaptic vesicles of the presynaptic neuron, effectively recycling them for future use.

User CLaRGe
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