17.8: Introduction to Neuron Communication
- Page ID
- 44117
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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
Contributors and Attributions
CC licensed content, Original
- Introduction to Neuron Communication. Provided by: Lumen Learning. License: CC BY: Attribution
CC licensed content, Shared previously
- Biology. Provided by: OpenStax CNX. Located at: http://cnx.org/contents/185cbf87-c72e-48f5-b51e-f14f21b5eabd@10.8. License: CC BY: Attribution. License Terms: Download for free at http://cnx.org/contents/185cbf87-c72...f21b5eabd@10.8