Explain the way neurons communicate
All functions performed by the nervous system—from a simple motor reflex to more advanced functions like making a memory or a decision—require neurons to communicate with one another. While humans use words and body language to communicate, neurons use electrical and chemical signals. Just like a person in a committee, one neuron usually receives and synthesizes messages from multiple other neurons before “making the decision” to send the message on to other neurons.
What You’ll Learn to Do
- Describe the basis of the resting membrane potential
- Explain the stages of an action potential and how action potentials are propagated
- Explain the similarities and differences between chemical and electrical synapses
- Describe the process of signal summation
- Discuss the processes involved in synaptic plasticity
Learning Activities
The learning activities for this section include the following:
- Resting Membrane Potential
- Action Potential
- Chemical and Electrical Synapses
- Signal Summation
- Synaptic Plasticity
- Self Check: Neuron Communication
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