Neuron/Synapse Function
Neuron Function: Are electrically excitable cells in the nervous system that function to process and transmit information. Neurons are the core components of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves.
How an action potential moves along the neuron fibre: An action potential travels down an axon there is a change in charge across the membrane of the axon. The impulse travels down the axon in one direction only, to the axon terminal where it signals other neurons.
Synapse Function: To transfer electric activity (information) from one cell to another. The transfer can be from nerve to nerve or nerve to muscle.
How a signal is sent from axon of sending neuron to dendrite of receiving neuron: The space between the axon and the dendrites is called the synapse gap. When neurons communicate, an electrical impulse triggers the release of neurotransmitters from the axon into the synapse. The neurotransmitters cross the synapse and bind to special molecules on the other side, called receptors.
How the receiving neuron “determines” whether or not to send its own action potential: Based on whether the inside of the receiving axon is more positive or negative. When the neurotransmitters bind to the receptors on the receiving cell it either triggers an opening or closing in the channels.