The introduction reads, Neural communication involves different processes within and between neurons. In this infographic, we follow the electrical action that conveys messages within the neuron, from one end to the other.
The main graphic shows an illustration of a nerve cell. A bulb-shaped object at the end is labeled Neuron cell body. Multiple filaments extending from the neuron cell body are labeled Dendrites. At the lower right, a tube extends from the neuron cell body; the area where the tube originates is labeled Axon hillock and the tube is labeled Axon. Segmented tubes surrounding the axon are labeled Myelin sheath, and the spaces between the segments are labeled Node of Ranvier. At the lower end of the axon are several branching tips with rounded ends, labeled Terminal buds. Three sectional illustrations are also provided.
Illustration 1 is titled, The Neuron at Rest: A magnified illustration extends from the axon hillock area and shows a cross-section of a tube. A row of positive signs are shown along the outside of the tube cross section at the top and bottom.
Illustration 2 is titled, The Action Potential: A graph shows the characteristic electrical trace of the action potential of the neuron, plotting a bell curve. Three split sections of the neuron are shown below the graph. When the neuron is stimulated, positive ions enter the cell, making the axon less negative (A). When the charge reaches threshold, an action potential is triggered. Positive ions flood the cell, quickly reversing the charge from negative to positive (B). Afterward, the cell is restored to resting potential (C).
Illustration 3 is titled, Action Potential Travels Length of Axon: The action potential occurring in one axon segment causes a voltage change in the next, initiating an entirely new action potential there. This sequential action travels along the axon like a wave, carrying the message from axon hillock to axon terminals.