Biology

Question 1

Explain how electrical impulses move through a synapse

Answer 1

Synapses are gaps between neurons.

• The electrical impulse reaches end of neurone before synapse
• this triggers release of chemicals called neurotransmitters
• the neurotransmitters diffuse across the synapse
• the neurotransmitters bind to receptors in the next neuron.
• the presence of the neurotransmitter causes the production of an electrical impulse in the next neurone,

Question 2

Neurone structure

Answer 2

Axons - carry electrical impulses away from the cell body

Dendrites - carry electrical impulses towards the cell body

Axons - covered in a later called myelin sheath. This insulates the neurone so electrical impulses travel down it quicker