Biology
Chemistry
AP Chemistry
English
AP English Literature
AP Psychology
Dec 1, 2025
68
2 pages
Mae O'Neill @maeoneill
Dive into the fascinating world of neurons and how they communicate! This summary covers the essential concepts of... Show more
Your brain works through an incredible network of specialized cells. Sensory neurons detect information from the world around you and relay it to your brain via the spinal cord. Motor neurons transmit signals from your brain to your muscles, telling them when to contract or relax. Meanwhile, interneurons communicate exclusively with other neurons.
When a neuron isn't actively sending signals, it maintains what's called a resting membrane potential - essentially its electrical charge when at rest. But when a neuron becomes active, it generates an action potential, sometimes called "neural firing." This electrical signal travels along the axon and triggers the release of chemicals that communicate with other neurons.
The action potential follows a precise sequence sodium channels open, potassium channels open, the cell depolarizes, sodium channels close, the cell repolarizes, and finally, potassium channels close. This entire process happens in milliseconds!
Remember this! Neural firing follows the "all or none principle" - a neuron either fires completely or not at all. There's no such thing as a partial neural signal.
Neurons talk to each other using chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. These substances carry signals across the tiny gap (synapse) between neurons. On the receiving end, specialized receptors - protein molecules on the post-synaptic membrane - catch these neurotransmitters like a baseball glove catches a ball.
After a neurotransmitter delivers its message, it's often recycled through reuptake, where it's taken back into the sending neuron to stop its activity. Drugs can affect this communication in two main ways agonists enhance neurotransmitter actions, while antagonists inhibit them.
Your brain uses several key neurotransmitters for different functions. Acetylcholine (ACh) controls movement between nerves and muscles and plays a role in memory. Dopamine handles reward, motivation, and motor control, while serotonin regulates emotions and impulse control. Other important messengers include norepinephrine (arousal and awareness), endorphins (natural pain relief), glutamate (the main excitatory transmitter), and GABA (the primary inhibitory transmitter).
Fun fact The balance between glutamate (excitatory) and GABA (inhibitory) is crucial for normal brain function - it's like having both gas and brakes in a car!
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
2
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
These notes talk about neurons, resting vs. action potential, basic parts of the brain (including the lobes), and the nervous system.
PsychologyAP Psychology unit 2 topic of learning about the brain quick vocabulary review study sheet.
AP PsychologyNotes go in depth on the nervous system, central nervous system (CNS), Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), Neurons, and signal transmission.
AP PsychologyExplore the mechanisms of neuronal communication, focusing on the structure and function of neurons, synaptic transmission, and the roles of neurotransmitters. This summary covers key concepts such as action potentials, excitatory and inhibitory synapses, and the process of synaptic transmission, providing a comprehensive understanding of how signals are transmitted within the nervous system.
PsychologyExplore the mechanisms of synaptic transmission, including action potentials, neurotransmitter functions, and the roles of excitatory and inhibitory signals. This summary covers key concepts such as synapse structure, neurotransmitter types, and their impact on neuronal communication.
PsychologyThey look into neurotransmitters, what they do in the brain and how they function.
PsychologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Mae O'Neill
@maeoneill
Dive into the fascinating world of neurons and how they communicate! This summary covers the essential concepts of biological psychology, focusing on neural structure, electrical activity, and the chemical messengers that make thinking possible.
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Your brain works through an incredible network of specialized cells. Sensory neurons detect information from the world around you and relay it to your brain via the spinal cord. Motor neurons transmit signals from your brain to your muscles, telling them when to contract or relax. Meanwhile, interneurons communicate exclusively with other neurons.
When a neuron isn't actively sending signals, it maintains what's called a resting membrane potential - essentially its electrical charge when at rest. But when a neuron becomes active, it generates an action potential, sometimes called "neural firing." This electrical signal travels along the axon and triggers the release of chemicals that communicate with other neurons.
The action potential follows a precise sequence: sodium channels open, potassium channels open, the cell depolarizes, sodium channels close, the cell repolarizes, and finally, potassium channels close. This entire process happens in milliseconds!
Remember this! Neural firing follows the "all or none principle" - a neuron either fires completely or not at all. There's no such thing as a partial neural signal.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Neurons talk to each other using chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. These substances carry signals across the tiny gap (synapse) between neurons. On the receiving end, specialized receptors - protein molecules on the post-synaptic membrane - catch these neurotransmitters like a baseball glove catches a ball.
After a neurotransmitter delivers its message, it's often recycled through reuptake, where it's taken back into the sending neuron to stop its activity. Drugs can affect this communication in two main ways: agonists enhance neurotransmitter actions, while antagonists inhibit them.
Your brain uses several key neurotransmitters for different functions. Acetylcholine (ACh) controls movement between nerves and muscles and plays a role in memory. Dopamine handles reward, motivation, and motor control, while serotonin regulates emotions and impulse control. Other important messengers include norepinephrine (arousal and awareness), endorphins (natural pain relief), glutamate (the main excitatory transmitter), and GABA (the primary inhibitory transmitter).
Fun fact: The balance between glutamate (excitatory) and GABA (inhibitory) is crucial for normal brain function - it's like having both gas and brakes in a car!
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
2
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
These notes talk about neurons, resting vs. action potential, basic parts of the brain (including the lobes), and the nervous system.
PsychologyAP Psychology unit 2 topic of learning about the brain quick vocabulary review study sheet.
AP PsychologyNotes go in depth on the nervous system, central nervous system (CNS), Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), Neurons, and signal transmission.
AP PsychologyExplore the mechanisms of neuronal communication, focusing on the structure and function of neurons, synaptic transmission, and the roles of neurotransmitters. This summary covers key concepts such as action potentials, excitatory and inhibitory synapses, and the process of synaptic transmission, providing a comprehensive understanding of how signals are transmitted within the nervous system.
PsychologyExplore the mechanisms of synaptic transmission, including action potentials, neurotransmitter functions, and the roles of excitatory and inhibitory signals. This summary covers key concepts such as synapse structure, neurotransmitter types, and their impact on neuronal communication.
PsychologyThey look into neurotransmitters, what they do in the brain and how they function.
PsychologyApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
