how is a signal from a presynaptic neuron transmitted to a postsynaptic cell?

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Neurons "communicate" from a series of neurotransmitters. These are chemicals that leave the presynaptic neuron and travel to the postsynaptic neuron where channels wait for the binding of these transmitters will occurs....Show more

When the action potential (depolarization) reached the synaptic bulb of the pre-synaptic neuron, calcium ions enter the neuron through gated channels and this causes the release of a neurotransmitter such as acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft. The calcium is pumped out of the neuron. The acetylcholine diffuses across the gap and binds to receptors on the post-synaptic neuron and causes sodium gated channels to open generating a nerve impulse by depolarizing the neuron. The acetylcholine is broken down by an enzyme so that depolarization ceases and the products diffuse back to the pre-synaptic neuron for reuse....Show more