Neurophysiology and Synapses · USMLE Step 1

What role do glial cells (e.g., astrocytes) play in synaptic transmission termination or modulation?

  1. They generate action potentials to trigger neurotransmitter release.
  2. They provide structural support but have no role in neurotransmitter handling.
  3. They take up neurotransmitter from the cleft to terminate and regulate signaling.
  4. They directly open ion channels on the postsynaptic membrane.
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Correct answer: They take up neurotransmitter from the cleft to terminate and regulate signaling.

Glial cells, particularly astrocytes, can take up neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft, removing them to terminate signaling and thereby regulate synaptic transmission.

Difficulty: Medium Question 22 of 28

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