Question

Biopsychology/ Behavioral Neuroscience:

II. Neurotransmission

A. What is “neurotransmission”, and why is this process likened to the “firing” of a gun? Explain

B. Explain neurotransmission in terms of 4 steps. See "Action Potentials" and "Transformation of Information between Cells", especially figures 3.2 and 3.3

*Neurotransmitters bind to receptors 2.

*Gates open, + ions flow in (excitatory message)

*The Action Potential

Answer 1

Neurotransmission is analogous to a firing of a gun. During the resting potential, the neuron is ready to fire like a gun ready to be shot. When the neuron is activated, that is, positively charged sodium ions rush into a cell while potassium ions flow out temporarily, it is as though one is holding their finger on the trigger. The all or none law states that the neuron fires with the same intensity every time. A shot is fired from a gun, no matter how much force is applied while pulling the trigger. In the action potential phase, electrical signals are sent down the axon, which is similar to the bullet hitting its target. Finally, the cell cannot fire again for a brief moment during the refractory period, which is like one is reloading the gun.

Please post the other questions separately as we are supposed to answer just one question or four subparts of a question.