Neurotransmitter Functions and Actions

Front

What is repolarization?

Back

Repolarization is the process during which potassium ions exit the neuron, causing the inside of the cell to become negatively charged again after depolarization.

Front

What is depolarization?

Back

Depolarization is the process where sodium ions rush into the neuron, making the inside of the cell positively charged.

Front

What role do neurotransmitters play in neuron communication?

Back

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses from one neuron to another, facilitating communication in the nervous system.

Front

What is the resting membrane potential?

Back

The resting membrane potential is the electrical potential difference across the neuronal membrane when the neuron is not actively transmitting signals, typically around -70mV.

Front

What is the all-or-nothing principle in action potentials?

Back

The all-or-nothing principle states that once a neuron reaches a certain threshold potential, it will fire an action potential fully; there is no partial firing.

Front

What is the role of calcium ions in neurotransmitter release?

Back

Calcium ions trigger the fusion of neurotransmitter-containing vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, leading to the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

Front

What is synaptic transmission?

Back

Synaptic transmission is the process by which a signal is transmitted from one neuron to another across a synapse, involving the release and binding of neurotransmitters.

Front

What is the difference between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters?

Back

Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the likelihood of the firing of an action potential in the receiving neuron, while inhibitory neurotransmitters decrease that likelihood.

Front

What is an action potential?

Back

An action potential is a rapid, temporary change in the membrane potential of a neuron, allowing for the transmission of electrical signals along the axon.

Front

What is the function of the myelin sheath?

Back

The myelin sheath insulates axons and increases the speed of electrical signal transmission along the neuron.