neuron communication

What is an action potential?

A brief electrical signal traveling along an axon

What is a neurotransmitter?

A chemical messenger released by a neuron

What happens when an action potential reaches many chemical synapses?

Axon terminals release neurotransmitters

Where do neurotransmitters attach on the receiving cell?

Receptors

What does all-or-none mean for an action potential?

If threshold is reached, it fires fully; if not, it does not fire

What is resting potential?

The electrical difference across a neuron’s membrane when it is not firing

What is the threshold of excitation?

The level of stimulation needed to trigger an action potential

What is reuptake?

The sending neuron takes neurotransmitter back from the synapse

What is an excitatory signal?

A signal that makes a neuron more likely to fire

What is an inhibitory signal?

A signal that makes a neuron less likely to fire

Which neurotransmitter is strongly linked with reward, motivation and movement?

Dopamine

Which neurotransmitter is the main inhibitory messenger in the brain?

GABA

Which neurotransmitter is the main excitatory messenger in the brain?

Glutamate

Which neurotransmitter helps muscles move and also supports learning?

Acetylcholine

Which neurotransmitter has roles in mood and sleep?

Serotonin