General Principles of Physiology Practice Test 2025 - Free Physiology Practice Questions and Study Guide

During receptor activation, calcium ions are released from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This process typically occurs when a receptor on the cell surface is activated by a ligand, leading to an intracellular signaling cascade.

The endoplasmic reticulum acts as a storage site for calcium ions, and upon stimulation, channels in the ER membrane open to allow the release of calcium into the cytoplasm. This increase in intracellular calcium concentration is crucial for various cellular functions, including muscle contraction, neurotransmitter release, and other signaling pathways. The rapid release of calcium from the ER serves as a key second messenger that facilitates communication within the cell, enabling quick responses to extracellular signals.

In contrast, the other options do not play a direct role in the immediate response during receptor activation as calcium ions do. While proteins are synthesized and processed in the ER, they are not released in response to receptor activation in the same manner as calcium. Phospholipids are components of cellular membranes and do not typically increase in release following receptor activation. Potassium ions are primarily involved in generating membrane potentials and are not specifically released from the ER during this process. Thus, the release of calcium ions is a critical physiological response mediated by the endoplasmic reticulum upon receptor activation.