13 How neurons communicate

Summary

The lecture explains how neurons communicate through an electrical process, focusing on the concept of action potentials. It discusses the threshold needed for neurons to fire and transmit information to other neurons via synapses. The analogy of firing a gun is used to explain the 'all-or-none' law, where neurons either fire completely or not at all. It also introduces the 'refractory period,' a rest phase after firing, during which the neuron cannot fire again. A more detailed video on Canvas is recommended for further learning.

Takeaways

• ⚡ Neurons communicate information via an electrical process, but the actual messengers are chemicals called neurotransmitters.
• 🧠 The transmission of information between neurons occurs when an electrical impulse triggers the release of neurotransmitters.
• 📉 A neuron at rest is in its 'resting potential,' which means it isn't being stimulated.
• 🚦 The 'threshold' is a critical membrane potential that must be reached for an action potential (electrical impulse) to occur.
• 🔫 The 'all or none law' states that a neuron either fires completely or doesn't fire at all, similar to firing a gun.
• 🚀 Once the threshold is reached, an action potential travels down the axon and triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synapse.
• ⏳ After firing, neurons enter the 'absolute refractory period,' during which they cannot fire again for a brief period.
• 📉 The refractory period prevents neurons from continuously firing and forces them to have a break before they can fire again.
• 🔄 After the refractory period, the neuron returns to its resting potential and can fire again if the right conditions are met.
• 📽️ A more detailed video on this process, including action potentials, is available on Canvas for additional learning.

Q & A

What is the main process by which neurons communicate information?

Neurons communicate information through an electrical process, though the actual messengers involved are chemicals.

What is the resting potential in a neuron?

The resting potential is the baseline electrical state of a neuron when it is not being stimulated or transmitting information.

What is the threshold in neuronal communication?

The threshold is the membrane potential required to trigger an action potential. It is a critical level that must be reached for the neuron to transmit information.

What happens if the neuron doesn't reach the threshold?

If the neuron doesn't reach the threshold, no action potential occurs, and the neuron returns to its resting potential.

What is an action potential?

An action potential is an electrical impulse that travels down the axon of a neuron, triggering the release of neurotransmitters into the synapse.

What is the 'all or none' law in neuronal firing?

The 'all or none' law states that a neuron either fires completely or does not fire at all; there is no partial firing.

What is the absolute refractory period?

The absolute refractory period is the time after an action potential during which the neuron cannot fire another action potential, allowing the neuron to rest.

Why is the refractory period important in neuronal communication?

The refractory period prevents continuous firing of neurons, allowing them to rest and preventing overstimulation. It limits the maximum firing rate of a neuron.

What role do dendrites play in neuronal communication?

Dendrites receive neurotransmitters from neighboring neurons if they have the proper receptors, facilitating the continuation of communication between neurons.

What does the video on Canvas cover in more detail?

The video on Canvas covers the process of action potentials in more detail, offering additional insights beyond the lecture's content.