On p. 84 of the text, in the Thinking Clearly section, the conduction action potentials and activation of neurotransmitters is related to a row of mousetraps on a wobbly shelf. Think of your own original analogy you can use to describe the conduction of action potentials and activation of neurotransmitters and post as your response.
I need help understanding better. I'm totally lost
Reread the part about the row of mousetraps on a wobbly shelf.
This site also explains neurotransmitters.
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/chnt1.html
Think of something in everyday life that acts like the mousetraps.
How about rows of dominoes?
Sure, I can help you understand the concept of conduction of action potentials and activation of neurotransmitters.
One way to think about it is to imagine a complex delivery system in a city. In this analogy, the neurons in your brain are like delivery trucks that carry packages (neurotransmitters) to different locations.
The process starts when a signal is generated at the dendrites of a neuron, which can be compared to a phone call placed to the headquarters of a delivery company. This signal, known as an action potential, acts as a trigger for the delivery process.
Once the trigger is activated, it's as if a dispatcher at the headquarters receives the call and assigns a package to a specific truck. This is similar to how the action potential travels along the axon of a neuron, carrying the signal along.
As the action potential reaches the axon terminals, it's as if the truck arrives at its destination. At this point, the package (neurotransmitter) is unloaded and released into the synaptic cleft, which is like a drop-off point or delivery hub.
Now, imagine that on the other side of the synaptic cleft, there are receivers eagerly waiting to receive the packages. These receivers are called receptors. When the neurotransmitters bind to these receptors, it's as if the packages are collected by the intended recipients, finally completing the delivery process.
By using this analogy, you can visualize how the conduction of action potentials and activation of neurotransmitters work together to transmit signals in the brain. Just like a well-coordinated delivery system, this process ensures that information is efficiently transmitted from one neuron to another.