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Ch. 11 Introduction to the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue
Amerman - Human Anatomy & Physiology 2nd Edition
Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksAmerman 2nd EditionCh. 11 Introduction to the Nervous System and Nervous TissueProblem 13
Chapter 11, Problem 13

A ________ is characterized by multiple input neurons synapsing on one postsynaptic neuron.
a. Diverging circuit
b. Discharge zone
c. Facilitation zone
d. Converging circuit

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the question: The problem is asking about a neural circuit where multiple input neurons synapse on a single postsynaptic neuron. This is a concept related to neural pathways and signal processing in the nervous system.
Review the definitions of the options provided: a) Diverging circuit involves one input neuron synapsing on multiple output neurons. b) Discharge zone refers to the area where a neuron is most likely to fire due to strong synaptic input. c) Facilitation zone refers to an area where neurons are more likely to fire due to subthreshold stimulation. d) Converging circuit involves multiple input neurons synapsing on a single postsynaptic neuron.
Focus on the key characteristic described in the question: 'Multiple input neurons synapsing on one postsynaptic neuron' matches the definition of a converging circuit.
Eliminate incorrect options: Diverging circuit is the opposite of what is described, discharge zone and facilitation zone are not types of circuits but rather functional areas of neural activity.
Conclude that the correct answer is the option that matches the definition of a converging circuit, as it aligns with the description provided in the question.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Converging Circuit

A converging circuit is a neural configuration where multiple presynaptic neurons synapse onto a single postsynaptic neuron. This arrangement allows for the integration of signals from various sources, enhancing the postsynaptic neuron's ability to respond to stimuli. It is crucial in processes such as sensory perception and motor control, where information from different pathways converges to produce a coordinated response.
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Circuit Level & Perceptual Level

Diverging Circuit

In contrast to a converging circuit, a diverging circuit involves a single presynaptic neuron synapsing onto multiple postsynaptic neurons. This type of circuit amplifies the signal, allowing one neuron to influence many others, which is essential for processes like spreading a signal throughout the nervous system. It plays a key role in reflex actions and the coordination of complex motor activities.
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Circuit Level & Perceptual Level

Synapse

A synapse is the junction between two neurons where communication occurs. It consists of a presynaptic terminal, synaptic cleft, and postsynaptic membrane. Neurotransmitters released from the presynaptic neuron bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, facilitating the transmission of signals. Understanding synapses is fundamental to grasping how neural circuits function and how information is processed in the nervous system.
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Pathways of Sympathetic Innervation
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Which of the following is not a method by which the effects of neurotransmitters are terminated?

a. Reuptake into the presynaptic neuron

b. Diffusion away from the synaptic cleft and uptake by glial cells

c. Movement back to the cell body by retrograde axonal transport

d. Degradation by enzymes in the synaptic cleft

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Textbook Question

Identify the following as properties of electrical synapses (ES), chemical synapses (CS), or both (B).           

a. ______ The plasma membranes of presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons are joined by gap junctions.          

b. ______ Transmission is unidirectional and delayed.          

c. ______ A presynaptic neuron and a postsynaptic neuron are involved.          

d. ______ The use of neurotransmitters packaged into synaptic vesicles is required.          

e. ______ Transmission is nearly instantaneous and bidirectional.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The Na+/K+ pumps and gated channels maintain the Na+ and K+ gradients necessary for action potentials to occur.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

A depolarization is a change in membrane potential that makes the potential less negative.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

A local potential is a change in membrane potential that conducts the long-distance signals of the nervous system.

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Textbook Question

The trigger for exocytosis of synaptic vesicles from the presynaptic neuron is:

a. Arrival of an action potential at the axon terminal and influx of calcium ions.

b. Summation of IPSPs at the presynaptic neuron.

c. Binding of neurotransmitters to the axon hillock.

d. Influx of Na+ into the postsynaptic neuron.

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