Action potentials are generated by voltage-gated sodium channels, which open when the membrane reaches threshold (around -50 mV) and allow Na+ to enter the cell.
The action potential is the electrical signal that travels along an axon.
Neurons communicate with other cells through synapses, where neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on target cells.
Presynaptic terminals release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, which can be excitatory or inhibitory depending on their effect on postsynaptic targets.
Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the likelihood of generating an action potential in the postsynaptic cell, while inhibitory neurotransmitters decrease this likelihood.
