Neurotransmitters
The events that take place at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), where acetylcholine (ACh) is released as a neurotransmitter, is an excellent example of:
What our notes say
- The events that take place at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), where acetylcholine (ACh) is released as a neurotransmitter, is an excellent example of: (cat 2 2014 — Source Paper Awaiting Edit)
- The neurotransmitter acetylcholine is released into the synapse (Physio Y1 EOY 2021 — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- Outline the criteria used to classify compounds as neurotransmitters; mention three ways in which neurotransmitter action is terminated; and indicate the possible effect of premature degradation of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase. (bchem EOY 2011 — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- End plate potential- depolarizations of skeletal muscle fibres caused by neurotransmitter acetylcholine binding to postsynaptic membrane receptors in neuromuscular junction. (Medical Physiology Assorted SAQs — With Answers (Past Paper Study Guide))
- The operation of the brain's neurotransmitters is altered because: (Behavioural Sciences Quick-Fire Revision MCQs — Sets 1 & 2 (Past Paper))
- Most psychotropic drugs act on neurotransmitter systems: they change release, reuptake, breakdown or receptor activity. (Introduction to Psychopharmacology)
Study material on Neurotransmitters
- Medical Physiology Assorted SAQs — With Answers (Past Paper Study Guide)
- Physio Y1 EOY 2021
- Sleep Physiology Examination Paper
- Endocrine and Metabolic Pathology MCQs for Medical Students
- cat 2 2014 — Source Paper Awaiting Edit
- Biochemical Endocrinology, MBMB2234: Neurochemistry
- LECTURE 1: Principles of Endocrinology
- bchem EOY 2011
- bchem EOY 2011 (2)
- Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- Neurochemistry Test – Questions and Answers
- Weekly Pathology Exam - July 24, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
- Weekly Pathology Exam - July 17, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
- Weekly Pathology Exam - July 10, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
- Weekly Pathology Exam - July 3, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
- Weekly Pathology Exam - June 19, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
Practice questions on Neurotransmitters
Which one of the following is not a criterion for small neurotransmitter (NT) status?
- evidence of presynaptic release.
- postsynaptic receptor sites.
- predictable pharmacological action.
- none of the above.
- isolation of neurotransmitter substance from presynaptic terminal. ✅ Answer: D
Answer: A. All options A, B, C, and E are generally considered criteria or supporting evidence for a substance to be classified as a neurotransmitter.
Which channel membrane protein is specifically important in the process of neurotransmitter release?
- Voltage-gated K+ channels
- Ligand-gated Na+ channels
- Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels
- G protein-coupled receptors
Answer: C. The influx of calcium ions (Ca2+) into the presynaptic terminal, mediated by voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, is the critical trigger for the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane and the subsequent release of neurotransmitters.
In the synthesis of neurotransmitters, the following is true EXCEPT:
- Neurotransmitters are synthesized either in the axon terminal or the cell body.
- Enzymes involved in synthesis are synthesized in the cell body and transported to the axon terminal.
- Small molecule neurotransmitters are synthesized in the synaptic cleft.
- Neuropeptides are synthesized as propeptides in the cell body.
Answer: C. Small molecule neurotransmitters are synthesized in the axon terminal. Neuropeptides are synthesized in the cell body and processed through the Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum before being transported to the axon terminal.
The following statement are true of packaging and release of neurotransmitter EXCEPT:
- Small molecule neurotransmitters are packaged into synaptic vesicles in the presynaptic terminal.
- Neuropeptides are packaged into large dense-core vesicles.
- Neurotransmitter release is dependent on the influx of extracellular calcium.
- Vesicle fusion with the presynaptic membrane is an active process requiring ATP.
Answer: D. While vesicle fusion is an active process, the primary trigger and mediator of neurotransmitter release is the influx of calcium ions. ATP is involved in vesicular transport and recycling, but calcium influx is the immediate cause of exocytosis.
The following neurotransmitter is used by the substantia nigra neurons that project to the caudate and putamen
- Norepinephrine
- Dopamine
- Serotonin
- Acetylcholine
- GABA
Answer: B. The substantia nigra contains dopaminergic neurons that project to the caudate nucleus and putamen (collectively called the striatum) via the nigrostriatal pathway. This dopaminergic pathway is crucial for motor control and is affected in Parkinson's disease. The other neurotransmitters listed are not the primary neurotransmitters used by substantia nigra neurons in this pathway. ---
The neurons located in the locus ceruleus release which of the following neurotransmitters at their synaptic terminals?
- Norepinephrine
- Dopamine
- GABA
- Acetylcholine
- Serotonin
Answer: A. The locus ceruleus is the major noradrenergic nucleus in the brain, containing norepinephrine-producing neurons that project widely throughout the CNS. These neurons are involved in arousal, attention, and stress responses. The other neurotransmitters are produced by different neural populations. ---