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Questions and Answers
Which direction does communication at a synapse proceed?
What is the function of the axon?
What is an action potential?
What happens to the size of an action potential when it reaches a point where the axon branches?
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What is the myelin sheath?
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Study Notes
Synapse and Axon Function
- Communication at a synapse proceeds in one direction, from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron.
- The axon functions as a transmission line, carrying the electrical signal away from the cell body to the axon terminals.
Action Potential
- An action potential is a brief, regenerative, all-or-nothing electrical impulse that propagates along the length of the axon.
- It is generated by a rapid change in the permeability of the axon membrane to sodium and potassium ions.
Action Potential at Axon Branching
- When an action potential reaches a point where the axon branches, the size of the action potential remains the same, as the signal is not divided or decreased.
Myelin Sheath
- The myelin sheath is a fatty, insulating substance produced by glial cells that wraps around the axon, facilitating the transmission of action potentials by reducing the electrical resistance of the axon.
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Description
Test your knowledge on communication at synapses and the role of axons in transmitting information. This quiz covers topics such as the direction of communication, the structure of axons, and the function of action potentials.
