Posted by IsoM on March 23, 2002, at 23:20:13
In reply to ISO: thx, but still can't find simple def of recep » IsoM, posted by Janelle on March 23, 2002, at 22:44:32
Okay, I'll explain & I don't mind but I just thought diagrams helped. Wish I could use pictures in this forum to make it easier.
A receptor is the end of the nerve cell (neuron) that receives information (stimuli or neurotransmitter) from another nerve cell. Think of it as a river flowing downstream. One neuron releases neurotransmitters that diffuse across the gap (synapse) to the receiving end (the receptor) of the next neuron downstream. All neurons have two ends - the receiving ends (receptor) with receptor sites on that end, & the transmitting end.
Neurons don't quite touch each other. The small space inbetween them is where all the neurotranmitter activity happens. If you've ever seen a picture of a typical nerve cell, it has many ends from the main body & from the other end (like long tail) it has what looks a bit like roots.
The many-branches of the head is the dendrites (where the receptors are) & the root-like bottom is the axon terminal where the neurotransmitters are contained. I'll give you a link with a picture to help you. I hope this makes more sense.
Neural Diagram: http://www.mhhe.com/socscience/intro/ibank/ibank/0002.jpg
Synapses: http://www.mhhe.com/socscience/intro/ibank/ibank/0003.jpg
poster:IsoM
thread:99715
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020322/msgs/99756.html