The 'synaptic delay' (0.5 to 1.0 ms) is primarily caused by which event?
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Correct answer: The time for calcium influx and vesicle fusion
Chemical synapses are slower than electrical ones. The delay is mostly due to the time needed for calcium channels to open, Ca2+ to trigger vesicle fusion, and the neurotransmitter to diffuse across the cleft.
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More Synapses questions
- Which neuronal region is the most common site for 'axoaxonic' synapses, often serving to regulate neurotransmitter release?
- A 'tripartite synapse' refers to the functional interaction between a presynaptic neuron, a postsynaptic neuron, and which glial cell?
- In a chemical synapse, which structure is specifically responsible for the storage of neurotransmitters?
- What is the typical width of the synaptic cleft in a standard chemical synapse?
- Which ion influx is directly responsible for triggering the exocytosis of synaptic vesicles?
- An 'axodendritic' synapse occurs between which two neuronal components?