Neurotransmission

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Neurotransmission

• By Lucas Enloe

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• An axon starts out with some K ions on the
  inside, and more Na ions on the outside, making
  the inside of the axon relatively negative.

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When a dendrite is stimulated, Na ions rush in,
which then causes channels in the axon to open,
which allows even more Na ions to flow into the
axon.
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The increase in charge inside the axon causes
even more Na ions to rush in, which is how a
charge is carried down the axon.
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Just after Na channels open, K channels open,
allowing potassium to flow out of the axon,
making that part of the axon repolarized.
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Now, special pumps in the axon pump the Na back
out of the axon, and the K back in. During this
time, the cell cannot transmit an action
potential. This is the refractory period.
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Once the Na/K pump is done, the Axon is ready to
go all over again!
fine