neurotransmission and the reflex arc

• Explain how neurotransmission takes place to pass an electrical impulse from one neuron to another.

  -electrical impulse arrives at the end of a neuron

  -neurotransmitters (which are chemicals) are released into the synapse ( a gap between the 2 neurons)

  -neurotransmitters will diffuse across the synapse and bind to the receptors found on the next neuron.

  -receptors will then generate an electrical impulse.
• How do painkillers work during neurotransmission?

  -electrical impulse arrives at the end of a neuron

  -less neurotransmitters (chemicals) are released into the synapse (gap between the 2 neurons)

  -less neurotransmitters will diffuse across the synapse and less will bind to the receptors on the next neuron.

  -delay or no generation of an electrical impulse

  -therefore reducing the pain

  -slower response
• What is a voluntary action?

  voluntary actions are those that you think about. The brain is involved.
• What is an involuntary action?

  involuntary actions are those you don't think about. The brain isn't involved.
• Describe the reflex arc

  -there is a stimulus (change in the environment)

  -receptors in sensor organ detect stimulus

  -receptors will then generate an electrical impulse

  -sensory neuron transmits electrical impulse to the relay neuron in the spinal chord.

  -reflexes are involuntary responses

  -relay neuron will transmit electrical impulse to the motor neuron

  -motor neuron transmits electrical impulse to effectors (muscles) which will respond
• Why are reflexes important?

  -faster response

  -it is an involuntary response

  -protects body from harm