Which Action Causes the Release of Neurotransmitter Molecules

Question

Which action causes the release of neurotransmitter molecules?
A) the reception of a signal from the postsynaptic neuron
B) an electrical signal reaching the end of the cell body
C) an electrical signal reaching the terminal bouton
D) an electrical signal reaching the beginning of the dendrite

Accepted Answer

An electrical signal (action potential) reaching the terminal bouton (also known as axon terminal) causes the release of neurotransmitter molecules into the synaptic cleft. Once released, these molecules can bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, leading to a change in its membrane potential and potentially triggering a new action potential. The reception of a signal from the postsynaptic neuron, as well as electrical signals elsewhere in the neuron (such as the cell body or dendrites), do not directly cause the release of neurotransmitter molecules.