Neuron structure:

Neuron function:

Neurons are in charge of sending and receiving neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transport information between brain cells.

 How an action potential moves along the neuron fibre

It travels through the length of the neuron, the flow of positive ions into and out of the axon is what causes it.

Synapse structure:

– Axon terminal bulb

-Tiny space without neurons

– End of the dendrite from the receiving neuron

Synapse function:

Where a signal is sent from axon to dendrite.

How a signal is sent from axon of sending neuron to dendrite of receiving neuron

– Action potential that travels down axon, makes synaptic move to presynaptic membrane.

– Then releases NT into synaptic gap.

– NT diffuses through the opening and attaches itself to the receiving neuron’s postsynaptic membrane receptors.

 How the receiving neuron “determines” whether or not to send its own action potential: 

The NT message is either, excitatory or inhibitory.

– Excitatory stimulates AP on the receiving neuron

– Inhibitory represses AP on the receiving neuron

Therefore it will only send it’AP if the NT message is excitatory.