neurons and synaptic transmission

Question 1

neuron

Answer 1

nerve cells that process and transmit information through electrical and chemical signals

Question 2

sensory neuron

Answer 2

carry messages from the PNS to the CNS
long dendrites, short axons

Question 3

relay neuron

Answer 3

connect the sensory neurons to the motor neurons
short dendrites, short axons

Question 4

motor neuron

Answer 4

connect the CNS to effectors such as muscles and glands
short dendrites, long axons

Question 5

synaptic transmission

Answer 5

the process by which neurons communicate with each other by sending chemical signals across a synapse

Question 6

explain the process of synaptic transmission

Answer 6

• electrical signal is released creating an action potential
• when the impulse reaches the end of the neuron, a neurotransmitter is released from the synaptic vesicles
• the neurotransmitter diffuses along the synapse through a chemical signal
• the receptors on the post-synaptic neuron receive the signal and converted back into an electrical impulse

Question 7

excitation

Answer 7

when a neurotransmitter increases the positive charge of the postsynaptic neuron
increases the likelihood of the impulse being fired

Question 8

inhibition

Answer 8

when a neurotransmitter makes the charge of the postsynaptic neuron more negative
decreases the likelihood of the impulse being fired