What term is used to describe a neuron that is not transmitting a signal?

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Passing a signal from one neuron to another – Chemical synapse

If the nervous system is going to function properly, neurons must be able to communicate with each other by passing signals to one another. This occurs at a synapse, or relay point between two cells. The most common type of synapse in the nervous system of animals is chemical synapse. Chemical synapse occurs in the narrow space between the axon terminal of the sending neuron and the dendrite of the receiving neuron.

Revised 10/19/2011

When action potential reaches the axon terminal, it is converted into a chemical signal. This chemical signal comes in the form of a neurotransmitter (a chemical that carries information from one nerve cell to another). Once the action potential arrives at the end of the neuron, it stimulates vesicles containing a neurotransmitter. The vesicle will then fuse with the cell membrane and release the neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft using the process of exocytosis. The released neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft and bind to receptor molecules, which are proteins attached to ion channels within the membrane of the receiving cell. The binding of the neurotransmitters to the receptor molecules causes the ion channels to open, allowing Na+ to diffuse into the cell. This influx of Na+ ions causes an action potential in the receiving neuron. The neurotransmitter is then either broken down or transported back to the sending neuron to be reused. The absence of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft causes the ion channels to close and the signal to end.

Analysis Questions Directions: Answer question based on readings

1. What term is used to describe a neuron that is not transmitting a signal?

2. Describe the conditions inside and outside of a neuron during resting potential.

3. Describe the conditions inside and outside of a neuron during action potential.

4. What causes a neuron to change from resting potential to action potential?

5. What causes a neuron to return to a resting potential from an action potential?
6. How is a signal transmitted through a single neuron?

7. What is a neurotransmitter?

8. How are neurotransmitters secreted into the synaptic cleft?

9. How does a neurotransmitter cause an action potential in a receiving neuron?
10. How is the signal between neurons stop?