Neural Communication

Question 1

Neural Communication

Answer 1

Within neurons: electrical impulse

Between neurons: chemical messages (neurotransmitters)

Question 2

Neuron

Answer 2

An individual nerve cell that is specialised to receive, process or transmit information.

Question 3

Key Stages of Neural Communication

Answer 3

• resting potential
• threshold
• depolarisation (resting potential)
• repolarisation

Question 4

Resting Potential

Answer 4

The natural state for a nerve cell. The neuron is not sending an electrical signal and the inside of the neuron is negative. The voltage inside the cell is -70mV.
Sodium outside and potassium inside. Potassium outside, negative inside. (SOAPI PONI)

Question 5

Threshold

Answer 5

An event (stimulus) causes the resting potential to move toward 0mV. 
Threshold is -55mV

Question 6

Depolarisation

Answer 6

The inside of the neuron becomes more positive. The action potential causes sodium channels to open and sodium ions flood into the cell.
Action potential is between +30mV to +40mV.

Question 7

Repolarisation

Answer 7

The cell starts to become more negative so that it returns to resting potential.