Neurotransmission

Information moves through the nervous system via two integrated forms of communication – electrical neurotransmission and chemical neurotransmission, as shown on the slide.^[1]

An action potential is generated at the origin of the axon following sufficient excitatory stimulation of the neurone. The action potential is created by movement of electrically charged particles (ions) in and out of the neurone through pores (ion channels) in the cell membrane in a particular pattern, travelling along the length of the axon.^[1] When the action potential reaches the axon terminal it stimulates the release of chemical neurotransmitters.^[1] After the action potential has induced the release of chemical neurotransmitters, the neurotransmitters pass information to the next neurone.^[1]

Reference:
[1] Kandel ER, Schwartz JH, Jessell TM (eds). Principles of Neural Science. 4th edition. McGraw-Hill, 2000.