Understanding Nerve Impulse Transmission

A nerve impulse, also known as an action potential, travels in a specific direction through a neuron. Neurons have distinct parts that handle the signal in a sequential manner.

Step 1: Signal Reception

The process begins when a stimulus is detected by dendrites. Dendrites are branched extensions that receive chemical signals from other neurons or sensory receptors.

Step 2: Signal Integration

The received signal then moves to the cell body (soma). Here, the signals from all dendrites are combined. If the total signal strength exceeds a certain threshold, it triggers an action potential.

Step 3: Signal Conduction

The generated action potential travels away from the cell body along the axon. The axon is a long, slender projection that conducts the electrical impulse.

Step 4: Signal Transmission

Finally, the impulse reaches the end of the axon, known as the terminal branches (or axon terminals). Here, the electrical signal is converted back into a chemical signal (neurotransmitters) to be passed on to the next neuron or target cell.

Final Answer

Therefore, the correct path a nerve impulse travels is: Dendrite → Cell Body → Axon → Terminal Branches.

The correct option from your list is: Dendrite, cell body, axon and terminal

Related Topics & Formulae

Key Components of a Neuron

• Dendrites: Input region; receives signals.
• Cell Body (Soma): Processes inputs; contains the nucleus.
• Axon: Conducting region; transmits the action potential.
• Axon Terminals: Output region; releases neurotransmitters.
• Myelin Sheath: Fatty layer that insulates the axon and speeds up signal transmission.

Action Potential

An action potential is a rapid, temporary change in the electrical potential across a membrane. It is an "all-or-nothing" event.

The change in membrane potential (V_m) is governed by the flow of ions (Na⁺ and K⁺) through voltage-gated channels. The Nernst equation calculates the equilibrium potential for a specific ion:

Where:

• $E$ is the equilibrium potential.
• $R$ is the universal gas constant.
• $T$ is the temperature in Kelvin.
• $z$ is the charge of the ion.
• $F$ is the Faraday's constant.
• $\left[X\right]$ is the concentration of the ion.

Synaptic Transmission

This is the process by which the impulse jumps from one neuron to the next across a synapse. The electrical signal triggers the release of neurotransmitters from the terminal branches into the synaptic cleft.