Which side of a synapse releases neurotransmitters?

Which side of a synapse releases neurotransmitters?

• A. Postsynaptic neuron
• B. Presynaptic neuron
• C. Axon terminal
• D. Dendrite

Answer: (B)

In a synaptic transmission process, the presynaptic neuron is responsible for releasing neurotransmitters. This occurs at the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron, where synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitter molecules fuse with the presynaptic membrane and release their contents into the synaptic cleft. This release allows the neurotransmitters to travel across the gap between neurons and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, facilitating communication between the two neurons. The postsynaptic neuron, on the other hand, contains receptors that are designed to receive the neurotransmitters but does not release them. The axon terminal refers specifically to the end of the presynaptic neuron's axon where the neurotransmitter release takes place, while dendrites are the parts of the postsynaptic neuron that receive signals. Thus, while the axon terminal plays a critical role in neurotransmitter release, it is the presynaptic neuron that is tasked with the overall function of releasing these signaling molecules.

In a synaptic transmission process, the presynaptic neuron is responsible for releasing neurotransmitters. This occurs at the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron, where synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitter molecules fuse with the presynaptic membrane and release their contents into the synaptic cleft. This release allows the neurotransmitters to travel across the gap between neurons and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, facilitating communication between the two neurons.

The postsynaptic neuron, on the other hand, contains receptors that are designed to receive the neurotransmitters but does not release them. The axon terminal refers specifically to the end of the presynaptic neuron's axon where the neurotransmitter release takes place, while dendrites are the parts of the postsynaptic neuron that receive signals. Thus, while the axon terminal plays a critical role in neurotransmitter release, it is the presynaptic neuron that is tasked with the overall function of releasing these signaling molecules.