EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -An action potential travels the length of the axon and causes release of neurotransmitter into the synapse. The action potential and consequent transmitter release allow the neuron to communicate with other neurons. Neurotransmitter – A chemical released from a neuron following an action potential.

Detailed explanation-2: -An action potential (nerve impulse) is an electrical signal that travels down the axon of a neuron, resulting in the release of neurotransmitters into the synapse. An action potential occurs when the membrane potential of a specific cell rapidly changes.

Detailed explanation-3: -Known as saltatory conduction, this type of signal propagation provides a favorable tradeoff of signal velocity and axon diameter. Depolarization of axon terminals, in general, triggers the release of neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft.

Detailed explanation-4: -Action potentials travel down neuronal axons in an ion cascade. Positive ions (mostly sodium ions) flow into the cell body, which triggers transmembrane channels at the start of the axon to open and to let in more positive ions.

Detailed explanation-5: -At the synapse, electrical signals are translated into chemical signals in order to cross the gap. Once on the other side, the signal becomes electrical again. One sending neuron can connect to several receiving neurons, and one receiving neuron can connect to several sending neurons.