why are axon terminals sometimes called "biologist transducers"?
Study these definitions.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS308&defl=en&q=define:Axon+terminals&sa=X&ei=SFW-TJnBFIP6lwe8kbTiBw&ved=0CBIQkAE
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS308&defl=en&q=define:transducer&sa=X&ei=e1W-TJ_2GcaqlAfqvtDUDQ&ved=0CBUQkAE
A transducer changes energy from one form to another. What happens at axon terminals?
Axon terminals are sometimes referred to as "biologist transducers" because they function as a specialized structure that converts information between electrical and chemical signals. To understand why they are called biologist transducers, let's break down the terms.
1. Axon terminals: The axon terminals are tiny branches at the end of an axon, which is a long, slender projection of a nerve cell (neuron). These terminals play a crucial role in transmitting nerve impulses to other neurons or target cells like muscles or glands.
2. Transducer: A transducer is a device or structure that converts one form of energy into another. In the context of biology, "transduction" refers to the conversion of one type of signal or stimulus into another type of signal that can be interpreted and processed.
When we combine these concepts, "biologist transducers" refers to the axon terminals as structures that convert electrical impulses (action potentials) into chemical signals (neurotransmitters) that can be transmitted to other cells. This conversion allows communication between neurons or between neurons and target cells like muscles, enabling the transmission of information throughout the nervous system.
In summary, axon terminals act as biologist transducers because they convert electrical signals into chemical signals, facilitating the communication and transmission of information within the nervous system.