Describe how an action potential is carried across a synapse between to neurons.

Once the action potential reaches the pre-synaptic bulb, the change in membrane potential triggers the opening of voltage-gated calcium channels to allow calcium to enter the cell. The influx of calcium triggers the movement of synaptic vesicles, containing a neurotransmitter, to the pre-synaptic membrane. The neurotransmitter leaves the pre-synaptic bulb via endocytosis and moves across the synapse. The neurotransmitter binds to sodium channels on the post-synaptic bulb, which opens them to allow sodium into the post-synaptic neuron. The influx of sodium triggers the action potential in the post-synaptic neuron and allows the action potential to continue down the neuron.

Answered by Sam A. Biology tutor

2712 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the first three levels of protein structure and the interactions which stabilise them.


How can genetically identical twins look different?


How does DNA replicate?


What types of infectious agents are there?


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