Question

Tripartite synapse is formed by a. neurons b. microglia c. astrocytes d. microglia and astrocytes e. neuron and astrocyte

Short answer

Answer: neuron and astrocyte

Step-by-step solution

Understand the term Tripartite Synapse

A tripartite synapse refers to a functional unit in the nervous system, which consists of three components working together at the synaptic level: the pre-synaptic neuron, post-synaptic neuron, and astrocyte.

Identify the components of a tripartite synapse

From the definition above, the three components of a tripartite synapse are: 1. Pre-synaptic neuron (a type of neuron) 2. Post-synaptic neuron (another type of neuron) 3. Astrocyte (a type of glial cell)

Match the components with the options given

Let's analyze the given options based on our knowledge of the components of a tripartite synapse: a. neurons - only includes neurons, but not astrocytes b. microglia - a type of glial cell, not part of the tripartite synapse c. astrocytes - only includes astrocytes, but not neurons d. microglia and astrocytes - incorrect combination of glial cells e. neuron and astrocyte - includes both neurons and astrocytes, hence the correct answer

Conclusion

The correct answer for the given exercise is option (e) neuron and astrocyte, as these are the components that form a tripartite synapse.