Assess the process of synaptic transmission at a chemical synapse.
a. When an action potential arrives at the axon terminal, it stimulates synaptic vesicles to fuse with the pre-synaptic membrane.
b. This fusion releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
c. The released neurotransmitters bind to specific receptors on the post-synaptic membrane.
d. This binding opens ion channels, allowing the entry of ions which can generate a new potential in the post-synaptic neuron.
e. The new potential developed is always excitatory.
f. The binding of neurotransmitters is a permanent process.
g. Once generated, the new potential is immediately transmitted as a full-fledged action potential.
h. Neurotransmitters are reabsorbed or degraded after their action.
