Q How are nerve impulses transmitted from one neuron to another?
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Explanation
Nerve impulses are transmitted from one neuron to another via specialized junctions called synapses. These synapses are the points where the axon terminal of one neuron comes into close proximity with the dendrite of another neuron, or with an effector cell such as a muscle or gland. When a nerve impulse reaches the axon terminal, it triggers the release of chemical compounds known as neurotransmitters, which diffuse across the synapse and bind to specific receptors on the post-synaptic membrane. This binding causes a change in the membrane potential of the post-synaptic neuron or effector cell, which may either excite or inhibit its firing of an action potential. The neurotransmitters are then removed from the synapse by reuptake, enzymatic breakdown, or diffusion, and the synapse is ready to transmit another nerve impulse.
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