Question

During sensitization, more neurotransmitters are released by a motor neuron when preceded by a greater of:

a) Action potential frequency
b) Synaptic cleft width
c) Axon diameter
d) All of the above

Answer 1

More neurotransmitters are released by a motor neuron when preceded by a greater action potential frequency which leads to a sequence of events involving calcium ion influx and neurotransmitter release into the synaptic cleft.

Step-by-step explanation:

During sensitization, more neurotransmitters are released by a motor neuron when preceded by a greater action potential frequency.

This is because, during the process of neurotransmission, an action potential traveling down a motor neuron's axon leads to an inflow of calcium ions at the synaptic terminal, which prompts the synaptic vesicles to bind to the presynaptic membrane.

This action releases the neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft, where it can then bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, potentially triggering another action potential if the stimulus is strong enough to depolarize above the threshold.