Above is a schematic representation of a neuron with a synapse. Switch A is a sy
ID: 1950340 • Letter: A
Question
Above is a schematic representation of a neuron with a synapse. Switch A is a synapse. R1 and R3 are the resistances of the extracellular space 2 microns from the plasma membrane. R2 is the extracellular resistance 1 mm from the plasma membrane. R5 is the intracellular resistance. When switch A is closed (synapse activated) draw: (1) the direction of current flow in the circuit; (2) the polarity of potential changes across resistors R1-R6. (3) What are the relative magnitudes and polarities of the extracellular field potentials produced by the synaptic response recorded at R1 and R3?
Explanation / Answer
Sadly, the image that I put so much effort into will not post for some reason.
1) The current will flow through resistor R6 and split off into resistor R1 and to battery in the ciruit. The current through R1 will continue through R2 and R3 breaking off to Battery B and resistor R4. These two currents will then flow through R5 back to switch A. The other current through the batter in the initial circuit will continue to the Switch A.
2) Resistors do not have polarities as they do not generate or store voltage. Basically they have no negetive or positive end. The only reason we would lable resistors with polarities is to restate the direction of the current travelling through them. The plus side has a higher voltage than the other side which would be negative
3) 0