Neural Transmission Process
This page provides a comprehensive explanation of the neural transmission process, focusing on how information flows through neurons. It builds upon the previous information to give a step-by-step account of synaptic transmission.
The process begins with the stimulation of terminal buttons in neuron A, which causes the release of neurotransmitters into the synapse. These neurotransmitters then bind to receptor sites on the dendrites of neuron B.
Definition: The threshold is the minimum level of stimulation required for a neuron to generate an action potential.
If enough neurotransmitters are received to reach the threshold, the cell membrane of neuron B becomes permeable, allowing positive ions to rush into the cell. This change in electrical charge spreads down the length of neuron B in a process called an action potential.
Highlight: Action potentials travel quickly, at a speed of about 120 meters per second.
The page emphasizes the all-or-none nature of action potentials, meaning that once the threshold is reached, the action potential occurs at full strength or not at all. This neuroanatomy and neuron structure explanation helps students understand the precise and rapid nature of neural communication.
Example: The transmission of an action potential can be likened to a bullet fired from a gun, illustrating the speed and directional nature of the electrical signal.
The page likely continues to describe what happens when the action potential reaches the terminal buttons of neuron B, setting up the next step in the chain of neural communication. This detailed explanation of neural transmission provides a solid foundation for understanding how the nervous system processes and transmits information, which is crucial for studying the biological bases of behavior.
