Anatomy of a Synapse Worksheet
A Grade 12 Science worksheet focusing on the anatomy and function of a synapse, including neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity.
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Anatomy of a Synapse
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Read each question carefully and provide your answers in the space provided. This worksheet will assess your understanding of the structure and function of a synapse.
1. The specialized junction where one neuron communicates with another neuron or an effector cell is called a .
2. The neuron that transmits the signal towards the synapse is known as the neuron.
3. Neurotransmitters are released from the into the synaptic cleft.
4. Receptors for neurotransmitters are typically located on the membrane.
5. The process by which neurotransmitters are removed from the synaptic cleft to terminate the signal is called .
1. Which of the following is NOT a primary component of a chemical synapse?
Presynaptic terminal
Postsynaptic membrane
Myelin sheath
Synaptic cleft
2. What is the primary role of calcium ions in synaptic transmission?
To hyperpolarize the postsynaptic membrane
To facilitate the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane
To directly bind to neurotransmitter receptors
To pump neurotransmitters back into the presynaptic terminal
1. Electrical synapses are more common in the human nervous system than chemical synapses.
True
False
2. Neurotransmitters always cause an excitatory effect on the postsynaptic neuron.
True
False
1. Briefly describe the sequence of events that leads to the release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic terminal.
2. Explain the difference between an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) and an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP).
Match each term with its correct definition.
1. Synaptic vesicles
a. The gap between the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons
2. Synaptic cleft
b. Specialized proteins that bind to neurotransmitters
3. Neurotransmitters
c. Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse
4. Receptors
d. Sacs that store and release neurotransmitters
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