The point at which the nerve impulse is transmitted from one neuron to another is called as?

Appeared in: HSSC Staff Nurse - 2015

Explanation

A synapse is the specialized junction where a nerve impulse passes from one neuron (the presynaptic neuron) to another (the postsynaptic neuron).
This transmission occurs across a microscopic gap called the synaptic cleft, using chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters (e.g., acetylcholine, dopamine).
The process ensures that nerve signals are transmitted in a controlled, one-way direction throughout the nervous system.

Option A: Glia (or neuroglia) are non-neuronal support cells. They provide structural support, nutrition, and protection to neurons but do not transmit nerve impulses between them.
Option B: Myelin is a fatty substance that forms an insulating sheath around many nerve axons. Its function is to increase the speed of impulse conduction along the axon, not to transmit the impulse to another neuron.
Option C: Nodes of Ranvier are the gaps in the myelin sheath along a single axon. The nerve impulse 'jumps' from node to node (saltatory conduction) to travel faster, but these nodes are not the junction point between two separate neurons.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Fundamentals of neurophysiology: Nerve impulse transmission between neurons as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding synaptic transmission is crucial for pharmacology, as many drugs (e.g., antidepressants, anesthetics, muscle relaxants) work by targeting neurotransmitters or receptors at the synapse.
Disruptions in synaptic function are central to many neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's disease (dopamine deficiency), myasthenia gravis (acetylcholine receptor issues), and depression.
A nurse's assessment of a patient's neurological status, including reflexes, muscle strength, and cognitive function, is indirectly an assessment of the efficiency of synaptic transmission.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it's asking for the specific name of the junction point between two neurons.
Read the keywords: 'nerve impulse', 'transmitted', 'from one neuron to another'.
Evaluate each option based on your knowledge of neuroanatomy and physiology.
Recall that 'Glia' are support cells, 'Myelin' is insulation, and 'Nodes of Ranvier' are gaps on a single axon. This eliminates the first three options.
Recognize that 'Synapse' is the specific term for the functional connection between two neurons, making it the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Fundamentals of neurophysiology: Nerve impulse transmission between neurons.
Stem keywords: nerve impulse, transmitted, one neuron to another
Lead-in keywords: called as
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Psychology Morgan King 9e Part 1 p. 66-68

E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 1 Part 1 p. 91-93

E6 Physiology Ganong 27e Vol 1 Part 1 p. 105-107

Practise the full HSSC Staff Nurse - 2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.