What is a postsynaptic neuron?

What is a postsynaptic neuron?

• A. Presynaptic Neuron
• B. Neuron That Sends Message
• C. Neuron That Receives the Signal
• D. Astrocyte

Answer: (C)

A postsynaptic neuron is the neuron that receives the signal from the previous neuron at a synapse. When a signal reaches the end of the presynaptic neuron, it releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These chemicals cross the gap and bind to receptors on the surface of the postsynaptic neuron, causing ion channels to open and creating a postsynaptic potential. This is how the message is transmitted onward, either exciting or inhibiting the postsynaptic cell so it may fire its own action potential. So the term postsynaptic means “on the receiving side” of the synapse. The neuron that sends the message is the presynaptic neuron, not the postsynaptic. Astrocytes are glial cells involved in support and regulation, not neurons that receive synaptic signals.

A postsynaptic neuron is the neuron that receives the signal from the previous neuron at a synapse. When a signal reaches the end of the presynaptic neuron, it releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These chemicals cross the gap and bind to receptors on the surface of the postsynaptic neuron, causing ion channels to open and creating a postsynaptic potential. This is how the message is transmitted onward, either exciting or inhibiting the postsynaptic cell so it may fire its own action potential.

So the term postsynaptic means “on the receiving side” of the synapse. The neuron that sends the message is the presynaptic neuron, not the postsynaptic. Astrocytes are glial cells involved in support and regulation, not neurons that receive synaptic signals.