Question

use the following terms to fill in the blanks and describe how an electrical impulse travels from one neuron to the next.
dendrite axon vesicles terminals
neurotransmitter chemical synapse cell body pre - synaptic neuron
post - synaptic neuron receptor site electrical impulse
the ____ __ on the __ of the __ - __ __ receives a chemical message. the __ carries the __ i __ away from the __ __. when the impulse reaches the __ at the far end of the neuron, the __ release __ __ into the __ crossing the gap and signaling the __ - __ ____ to fire.
list the two functions of myelin in neurotransmission
use the attached handout to help answer the following questions.

1. what are neurotransmitter chemicals? what is their role in neurotransmission?
2. name a neurotransmitter chemical and identify its function.
3. name 3 human activities made possible because of the neurotransmission process.

Explanation:

• First, we analyze the neuron structure and impulse transmission process. Dendrites receive signals. Axons carry electrical impulses. Vesicles in axon terminals release neurotransmitters into the synapse to signal the next neuron.
• For myelin, it's known to insulate axons (like insulation on a wire) and speed up impulse transmission (due to saltatory conduction).
• Neurotransmitter chemicals are chemical messengers. They cross the synapse (the gap between neurons) to transmit signals from one neuron (pre - synaptic) to another (post - synaptic).
• An example of a neurotransmitter is acetylcholine. It's involved in muscle contraction (e.g., in the neuromuscular junction).
• Human activities like movement (muscle contraction via neurotransmission), thinking (neuronal communication in the brain), and feeling emotions (brain neuronal signaling) are possible due to neurotransmission.

Answer:

• The receptor site on the dendrite of the post - synaptic neuron receives a chemical message. The axon carries the electrical impulse away from the cell body. When the impulse reaches the terminals at the far end of the neuron, the vesicles release neurotransmitter chemical into the synapse crossing the gap and signaling the pre - synaptic neuron to fire.
• Two functions of myelin: Insulates axons; Speeds up impulse transmission.
• 1. Neurotransmitter chemicals are chemical messengers. Their role is to transmit signals across the synapse from one neuron to another.
• 2. Acetylcholine; Function: Involved in muscle contraction.
• 3. Movement; Thinking; Feeling emotions.