The Surface on a Neuron That Discharges the Contents of Synaptic

Question

The surface on a neuron that discharges the contents of synaptic vesicles is the
A) dendrite.
B) axon hillock.
C) node of Ranvier.
D) postsynaptic membrane.
E) presynaptic membrane.

Accepted Answer

The presynaptic membrane is the surface on a neuron that discharges the contents of synaptic vesicles. This is the side of the synaptic cleft that releases neurotransmitters to signal to the postsynaptic membrane. A is incorrect because dendrites receive signals, but do not release them. B is incorrect because the axon hillock is the junction between the cell body and the axon, and does not directly participate in neurotransmitter release. C is incorrect because the node of Ranvier is a gap in the myelin sheath of axons, and is not directly involved in neurotransmitter release. D is incorrect because the postsynaptic membrane is the surface of the neuron that receives the neurotransmitter signal, but does not release it.