Neuron

Neurons (also spelled neurones or called nerve cells) are the primary cells of the nervous system.

Types of signalling

Neurons communicate with one another across synapses. This communication is usually chemically mediated by rapid secretion of neurotransmitter molecules. Pre-synaptic neurons (i.e. the neurons which release the neurotransmitter) may produce in the post-synaptic neurons (i.e. the neurons being affected by the neurotransmitter) an electrical stimulation (an electrical excitation) which will spread to the axon hillock generating an action potential which then travels as a wave of electrical excitation along the axon. Arrival of an action potential at the tip of an axon triggers the release of neurotransmitter at a synaptic gap. Neurotransmitters can either stimulate or suppress (inhibit) the electrical excitability of a target cell. An action potential will only be triggered in the target cell if neurotransmitter molecules acting on their post-synaptic receptors cause the cell to reach its threshold potential.

Related Topics:
Rapid secretion - Neurotransmitter - Molecule - Action potential - Electrical excitation - Synaptic gap - Receptors - Threshold potential

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Another less common form of communication between neurons is through electrical synapses mediated by gap junctions.

Related Topics:
Electrical synapse - Gap junction

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