What is the Origin of Neurological Signal Transmission?

The term combines "neurological," relating to the nervous system, "signal," meaning a transmitted message, and "transmission," the process of sending something across a distance. Its origin is deeply rooted in the fields of neurobiology and physiology, describing the core function of the nervous system discovered through pioneering electrophysiology experiments.

What is the Mechanism of Neurological Signal Transmission?

The mechanism begins with an electrical impulse, the action potential, traveling down the axon of the presynaptic neuron. Upon reaching the synapse, this electrical signal triggers the release of chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters, into the synaptic cleft. These molecules then bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic neuron or target cell, initiating a new electrical or chemical response, thereby ensuring the continuous and rapid flow of information across the entire neural network.

Neurological Signal Transmission ∞ Area

Neurological Signal Transmission

Meaning

Neurological signal transmission is the fundamental process by which nerve cells, or neurons, communicate with one another and with target tissues like muscles and glands throughout the body. This electrochemical communication involves the rapid generation and propagation of action potentials and the subsequent release of neurotransmitters across synaptic junctions. Efficient transmission is paramount for cognitive function, motor control, sensory perception, and the rapid regulation of the endocrine system.