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17.8: Introduction to Neuron Communication

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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

    17.8: Introduction to Neuron Communication is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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