Neurons, which are the building blocks of our brain and nervous system, communicate with each other through a process called synaptic transmission.
Here’s how it works:
Action Potential: First, an electrical signal moves down a part of the neuron called the axon.
Neurotransmitter Release: When this signal reaches the end of the axon, special chemicals called neurotransmitters are released into a tiny gap between neurons, known as the synaptic cleft.
Receptor Binding: These neurotransmitters then connect to specific spots, called receptors, on the next neuron. This binding causes the next neuron to respond.
A good example of this process is dopamine. When dopamine is released, it can influence our mood and how motivated we feel. This shows that the activity of neurotransmitters is really important for how we behave and feel.
Neurons, which are the building blocks of our brain and nervous system, communicate with each other through a process called synaptic transmission.
Here’s how it works:
Action Potential: First, an electrical signal moves down a part of the neuron called the axon.
Neurotransmitter Release: When this signal reaches the end of the axon, special chemicals called neurotransmitters are released into a tiny gap between neurons, known as the synaptic cleft.
Receptor Binding: These neurotransmitters then connect to specific spots, called receptors, on the next neuron. This binding causes the next neuron to respond.
A good example of this process is dopamine. When dopamine is released, it can influence our mood and how motivated we feel. This shows that the activity of neurotransmitters is really important for how we behave and feel.