Use Sophia to knock out your gen-ed requirements quickly and affordably. Learn more
×

Neuron Communication- Synapses and Neurotransmitters

Author: Erick Taggart

Source: Synapse Images; Public Domain http://1.usa.gov/Ve0kLx

Video Transcript
Terms to Know
Acetylcholine

The most common neurotransmitter, which is used in movement in the peripheral nervous system and related to attention and memory in the brain.

Action Potential

The state in which a neuron reaches its Threshold of Excitation and fires, or sends an electrical impulse down the axon.

Neuropeptides

A special class of neurotransmitters that regulate the activity of neurons and systems in the brain.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers that allow neurons to communicate with other neurons across the synapse.

Receptor Sites

Areas on neurons that connect and respond to neurotransmitters.

Resting Potential

The state in which a neuron is not firing or sending a neural impulse and when there is a negative electrical charge inside the neuron.

Synapse

The small space between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrites of other neurons.

Threshold of Excitation

The level or point at which a neuron fires, or a neural impulse is triggered.