Neural Transmission (discussion content)

Question 1

Signal transmission within a neuron is

Answer 1

electrical

Question 2

Signal transmission between neuron is

Answer 2

chemical

Question 3

Each adjacent section is depolarized as Na+ rushes in the cell and a new action potential occurs at the next segment

Answer 3

Electrical Action Potential Travels Down the Axon

Question 4

Neurons line up and form circuits

• Moves from Left to Right

Answer 4

CHEMICAL

Question 5

Excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)

Answer 5

What is an EPSP?

Question 6

Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic side of the synapse and positive ions come into the neuron.

Answer 6

Why does an EPSP occur?

Question 7

It makes the membrane potential less negative or closer to firing an action potential

Answer 7

What does this do to the membrane potential of a neuron?

Question 8

• Difference: IPSPs are generated when neurotransmitters bind and negative ions
  come into a neuron, making it less likely to fire an action potential because it gets
  more negative.
• Similarity: They are both the result of neurotransmitters binding to their receptors and causing a change in membrane potential.

Answer 8

How is ISPS different from an EPSP? How are they similar?

Question 9

• A bigger stimulus (or more ions entering the cell) makes a bigger response (greater change in membrane potential).
• A smaller stimulus
  would make a smaller response.

Answer 9

What does it mean when we say postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) are graded?

Question 10

• When the membrane potential of a neuron reaches its threshold of activation.
• NOTE: Once a neuron hits it’s threshold of activation it fires an action potential
• The threshold can be different for different kinds of neurons, but the properties are the same
• -40mV cited as the action potential in lecture

Answer 10

When does action potential occur?

Question 11

Neurotransmitters are released

Answer 11

What is the end result of an action potential?