Question

Quantal analysis shows that a single action potential at the neuromuscular junction causes an EPSP of 40 mV or more, compared to only a few tenths of a millivolt at many CNS synapses. What accounts for this difference? Choose the correct option

Answer 1

A larger number of synaptic vesicles releasing neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction compared with CNS synapses

Step-by-step explanation:

• A synapse is a junction between two neurons or a neuron and a muscle cell in which a neurotransmitter is released.
• In this way, a chemical signal can be passed on from one cell to another.
• In the central nervous system, the number of neurotransmitters being released into the synapse is lesser as compared to the ones being released in the neuromuscular junction.
• As a greater number of neurotransmitters are being released the excitatory potential of these neurotransmitters will be summed up to a greater extent as compared to the central nervous system and hence, the value of EPSP is greater.