THE NERVOUS SYSTEM: how do neurons communicate?

Question 1

Define resting potential and action potential.

Answer 1

Resting potential: the neuron has resting potential while waiting for a message.
Action potential: when a neural impulse travels down the axon of a neuron in a wave-type motion.

Question 2

Describe what happens during action potential.

Answer 2

The axon terminal’s ion channels are blocked
When a neurotransmitter is received, the ion channels open up to allow positively charged sodium ions to flow through
An electrical charge is produced:the inside of the axon is negatively charged and the outside is positively charged, when an axon potential passes through it the charge is reversed.

Question 3

What does the rush of action potential cause in the synaptic vesicles?

Answer 3

Causes them to open up

Question 4

Define: neurotransmitter

Answer 4

Chemical substances released by neurons to allow communication between neurons

Question 5

What happens once the neurotransmitters are released from the synaptic vesicles?

Answer 5

They are released into the synaptic gap and attach to receptor sites on the receiving neuron - it has been chemically transmitted.
This process is repeated until the message reaches its destination.