How does an action potential travel across a cholergenic synapse?

An action potential arrives at synaptic knob. This causes voltage-gated Ca2+ ion channels to open, resulting in an influx of Ca2+ ions diffusing into the synaptic knob. This then causes vesicles containing acetylcholine (neurotransmitter) to fuse with the pre-synaptic membrane and release the acetylcholine. Acetylcholine diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to the receptor sites on the Na+ ion channels on the post synaptic membrane. This causes the Na+ channels to open and so Na+ diffuse into the postsynaptic neurone. The post synaptic neurone depolarises resulting in a new action potential.

Answered by Victoria F. Biology tutor

2042 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the role of the heart in the formation of tissue fluid?


What is mitosis?


What causes the surface tension of water?


What is the difference between conservation and preservation regarding species


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences