topic 2: lesson 5

Question 1

describe how transmission occurs along a synapse

Answer 1

-synapse is the junction between two neurons, or between a neuron and a muscle/gland
because there is no membrane connecting them, the action potential itself cannot cross
-nerve impulse transmission occurs because special neurotransmitter chemicals are released into the synaptic cleft

Question 2

define neurotransmitter

Answer 2

A neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger that carries signals between nerve cells (neurons) to help them communicate.