There are 3 types of neurons: Motor neurons, sensory neurons, and interneurons. Every neuron has three distinct parts: Axons, dendrites, and cell bodies. Axons transmit and carry signals to other neurons, and dendrites receive signals. The cell body supports the neuron’s life.

Neurons communicate by sending electrical pulses. This process is called action potential. They send electrical charges through depolarization and repolarization. At resting potential, the inside of the axon has a negative charge. During depolarization, channels in the axon’s membrane open up to let in sodium ions, which changes the charge of the axon. Next, in repolarization, potassium ions exit the axon, causing it to have a negative charge again. This process repeats itself all throughout the axon, which moves the charge through the neuron.

Synapse Structure and Function

Once the action potential has reached the end of the axon, also known as the axon terminal, it moves to the next neuron’s receptors. Little pockets of chemicals called neurotransmitters is released into the synaptic gap, and fits into the receptors of the second neuron’s dendrites. These chemicals trigger certain functions to occur. Some of them can be either excitatory or inhibitory. If it is excitatory, then the receiving neuron will continue to send the action potential. If it is inhibitory, then it will stop sending messages.