Question

Why is the flow of signals in a synapse from axonal end of one neuron to dendritic end of another neuron but not the reverse?

• A. Axons do not have receptors for neurotransmitters
• B. Dendritic ends have receptors for neurotransmitters
• C. No synthesis of neurotransmitter takes place at the dendritic end
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

All of the above

A nerve impulse travels in a form of electrical charge from a neuronal axon end to the synapse. Here, the electrical impulse is converted to the chemical impulse in the synaptic cleft. Further this nerve impulse flows from synaptic cleft to dendritic tips, which converts the chemical impulse to electrical impulse. The neurotransmitters required is synthesised only by axon terminals and the receptors required to detect these chemical transmitters are only present on the dendritic ends. Thus, the impulse always flows from one axonal end of a neuron to another dendron head of a neuron. So, the correct answer is option D.