Neural Communication - Edrolo

Question 1

Action potential

Answer 1

The change in electrical potential associated with the passage of an impulse along a neuron.

Question 2

Excitatory effect

Answer 2

A neurotransmitter effect that stimulates a receiving neuron to generate an action potential.

Question 3

Neurotransmitters

Answer 3

Chemical messengers that are released from the axon terminals of a presynaptic neuron in order to transmit neural information across a synapse.

Question 4

Inhibitory effect

Answer 4

A neurotransmitter effect that blocks a receiving neuron from firing.

Question 5

Postsynaptic Neuron

Answer 5

A neuron on the receiving end of a synapse (‘postsynaptic’ meaning ‘after the synapse’). Also known as a ‘receiver neuron’.

Question 6

Presynaptic neruon

Answer 6

A neuron on the sending end of a synapse (‘presynaptic’ meaning ‘before the synapse’). Also known as a ‘sender neuron’.

Question 7

Receptor site

Answer 7

A protein molecule found on the dendrites of neurons that
receives chemical signals from neurotransmitters through a binding process similar to fitting a key into a lock.

Question 8

Synapse

Answer 8

A gap between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite of another where neurotransmitters are released to enable communication between the two neurons.