Communication In The Brain- Week Three

Question 1

What are the connections between neurons?

Answer 1

They are called synapses:

They are small gaps between neurons where neurotransmitters allow messages to be communicated

Question 2

Describe synaptic transmission:

Answer 2

When an action potential reaches a synapse, many vesicles full of neurotransmitters release their contents into the synaptic cleft, where neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the post synaptic membrane and cause either an excitation or inhibition

Question 3

Describe how action potential work:

Answer 3

Neurons have a voltage difference across the membrane called the resting potential -70mV
It is + on the outside and - on the inside
When the neuron is stimulated the voltage gated sodium ion channels open causing an influx of sodium into the cell and reversing the charges giving +35mV if the threshold value is reached
All or nothing principle

Question 4

What are small world connections?

Answer 4

Characterised by dense local connectivity and a smaller number of long range connections
Thought to be the most effective network pattern

Question 5

What is the structure of a neuron?

Answer 5

Dendrites
Cell body
Axon
Myelin sheath
Terminal buttons