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.

VF
Answered by Victoria F. Biology tutor

2611 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does the kidney filter out different molecules?


The pancreas is an endocrine and an exocrine gland, indicate both of these functions.


What are enzymes? What is the importance of enzymes for living beings?


Describe how an atheroma may lead to a myocardial infarction.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning