Who do your nerves work?

Answer 1

This is a very complex question. Essentially nerves transmit signals by maintaining a resting potential of -70mV across the cell membrane by keeping large molecular anions (negatively charged molecules) in the cell and actively transporting sodium (Na2+) out of the neurone (the nerve cell). When the neurone is stimulated by some neurotransmitter such as acetylcholine the receptor opens up Na2+ gateways in the membrane allowing Na2+ ions to enter the neuron partially de-polarising the neurone. If enough of these receptors are activated and gateways opened then depolarisation reaches a threshold level.

At this point voltage gated ion channel in the membrane open allowing Na2+ ions to rush in depolarising the call to around +30mV at which point voltage gated K+ ion channels open allowing these to rush out repolarising the cell. The cell then enters a brief refractory period where it will nolonger depolarise, this acts as a means to control signalling. The depolarisation occurs in a wave down the axon of the neurone. As the action potential reaches the synaptic knob of the axon voltage gated ion channels allow Ca2+ to enter. This causes exocytosis of neurotranmitters contained in vesicles into the synaptic cleft. These neurotransmitteres then attach to receptors the postsynaptic membrane and depending on whether the neurotransmitter is excitory such as acetylcholine or inhibitory like dopamine will allow sodium ions to enter depolaizing the call if excitory. Inhibitory neurotransmitters hyperpolaise the cell and prevent the neurone 'fireing'