Question

Select the total number of true statements from the following. 1) There are two types of synapses, namely electrical synapses and chemical synapses. 2) Electrical synapses are rare in our system. 3) At chemical synapse, the membranes of pre-and post-synaptic neuron are in very close proximity. 4) Transmission of an impulse across electrical synapses is very similar to impulse conduction along a single axon. 5) At a chemical synapse, the membrane of the pre- and post-synaptic neurons are separated by a fluid-filled space called synaptic cleft. (a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 5

Short answer

All five statements provided in the exercise are true, so the correct answer is (d) 5.

Step-by-step solution

Determine the Validity of Statement 1

The statement 'There are two types of synapses, namely electrical synapses and chemical synapses' is true. In the nervous system, neurons communicate with each other via synapses, which may be chemical or electrical.

Evaluate the Validity of Statement 2

The statement 'Electrical synapses are rare in our system' is also true. While electrical synapses do exist, they are less common than chemical synapses in the human nervous system.

Assess the Validity of Statement 3

The statement 'At a chemical synapse, the membranes of the pre-and post-synaptic neuron are in very close proximity' is true. At a chemical synapse, the neurons do not physically touch, but are very close to each other.

Examine the Validity of Statement 4

The statement 'Transmission of an impulse across electrical synapses is very similar to impulse conduction along a single axon' is true. Electrical synapses allow direct, bidirectional flow of ions between neurons, which is similar to the flow of ions along a single axon.

Verify the Validity of Statement 5

Lastly, the statement 'At a chemical synapse, the membrane of the pre- and post-synaptic neurons are separated by a fluid-filled space called synaptic cleft' is true. At a chemical synapse, the signal is transmitted across a small gap, or synaptic cleft, via neurotransmitters.

Key concepts

Electrical Synapses

Electrical synapses allow neurons to communicate quickly. They are less common in the human nervous system compared to chemical synapses. The key to their function is the direct connection between neurons through gap junctions.
These gap junctions are like tiny channels that let ions flow directly from one neuron to another, creating a very fast form of transmission.

• Direct physical connection via gap junctions
• Bidirectional flow of ions
• Very fast transmission of signals

Because electrical synapses allow direct electrical connectivity, they facilitate rapid responses, especially in processes requiring synchronization like heartbeat regulation in some animals.

Chemical Synapses

Chemical synapses are much more common in the human nervous system. Unlike electrical synapses, they involve the release of chemicals to transmit signals. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters.
The neurons, or nerve cells, involved in a chemical synapse do not touch but are separated by the synaptic cleft— a small gap.

• Use neurotransmitters to transmit signals
• Separated by a synaptic cleft
• Provide more complex signal modulation

Chemical synapses are slower than electrical ones due to the need for neurotransmitter release and receptor binding, allowing for more complex processes like learning and memory.

Impulse Transmission

The process of impulse transmission differs between electrical and chemical synapses. In electrical synapses, impulses move through direct ion flow, much like current through a wire. This is efficient for rapid and synchronous signal propagation.
Chemical synapses require the release of neurotransmitters from the pre-synaptic neuron. These bind to receptors on the post-synaptic neuron, leading to changes that propagate the impulse.

• Electrical: Rapid ion flow
• Chemical: Neurotransmitter-mediated
• Signal transmission involves ion channel modulation

In both cases, the impulse transmission ensures effective communication between neurons, but the chemical synapse provides a range of possibilities for modulating the signals.

Nervous System

The nervous system is a complex network that uses synapses to coordinate body functions. It is divided into:

• Central Nervous System (CNS) - brain and spinal cord
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) - all other neural elements

Through electrical and chemical synapses, the nervous system can perform both fast communication and complex signal processing. The CNS processes and integrates the information, while the PNS transmits signals between the CNS and the rest of the body.
Both types of synapses play crucial roles. Electrical synapses are generally faster but less adaptable, while chemical synapses can show great plasticity and strength of response, crucial for complex brain functions.

Synaptic Cleft

The synaptic cleft is a vital part of chemical synapses. It's the small gap that separates the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurons, commonly filled with fluid through which neurotransmitters pass.

• Approximately 20-40 nanometers wide
• Contains fluid medium for neurotransmitter diffusion
• Essential for chemical signal transmission

Neurotransmitters travel across the synaptic cleft to bind to specific receptors on the post-synaptic neuron. This interaction is crucial for converting the chemical signal back to an electrical impulse.