How a neuron sends a signal
In short: Inputs push a neuron past its threshold, an electrical impulse runs down the axon, chemicals carry it on.
1. A neuron receives signals from other cells through its dendrites. 2. When the neuron reaches its threshold, an electrical impulse starts. 3. The impulse, an action potential, travels along the axon. 4. A fatty myelin sheath around the axon makes the impulse travel faster. 5. At a synapse, neurotransmitters carry the signal to the next cell.
Sources: Wikipedia, “Action potential (Wikipedia)” (CC BY-SA 4.0); Wikipedia, “Neuron (Wikipedia)” (CC BY-SA 4.0); Wikipedia, “Synapse (Wikipedia)” (CC BY-SA 4.0). Illustrative, not to scale.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Action potential
- Also: Neuron
- Also: Synapse
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