•

Jan 13, 2026

•

2 pages

Understanding Types of Neurons and Their Neurotransmitters

Mae O'Neill

@maeoneill

Dive into the fascinating world of neurons and how they... Show more

3
Bio Psych, reading
Types of Neurons:
sensory neurons detect info from the physical world.
and pass that information to your brain via the

Types of Neurons and Neural Activity

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.

Neurotransmitters and Chemical Communication

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!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

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.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

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

homepage/newPositiveReviewText6

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

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

Thomas R

iOS user

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

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

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

homepage/newPositiveReviewText6

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user

AP Psychology

•

Jan 13, 2026

•

2 pages

Understanding Types of Neurons and Their Neurotransmitters

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.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Types of Neurons and Neural Activity

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.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Neurotransmitters and Chemical Communication

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!