Neural Communication

Neural communication refers to the process by which neurons transmit signals to each other and to other cells in the body, enabling the nervous system to function.

An action potential is a rapid, temporary change in the electrical membrane potential of a neuron, allowing it to transmit signals along its axon.

Dendrites are the parts of a neuron that receive information from other neurons and transmit it to the cell body.

The sodium-potassium pump exchanges sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions across the neuron's membrane, maintaining the resting membrane potential and facilitating action potentials.

During depolarization, the neuron's membrane potential becomes less negative, typically due to the influx of sodium ions (Na+) into the cell.

Repolarization is the process by which the membrane potential of a neuron returns to its resting state after depolarization, primarily through the efflux of potassium ions (K+).

An action potential propagates along a neuron like a domino effect, starting at the dendrites and moving down the axon.

The synapse is the junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals from one neuron to another.

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released by neurons at the synapse that transmit signals to other neurons or target cells.

The all-or-nothing principle states that an action potential either occurs fully or not at all; there is no partial action potential.