Help writing essays on synaptic transmission and neuronal integration

[Dause]

Homework Statement

Hi all,

I have to write a couple of essays for a neuroscience course, but I was hoping I could get some clarification regarding the titles just to be sure that my answer is relevant:

(1) Describe synaptic transmission with reference to the electrochemical conduction of the action potential and signal transduction at the synapse.

(2) Explain how neurons convey and integrate information.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Firstly, is there any significant difference between these two? For (1) I was planning on describing the action potential, then briefly discussing the release of neurotransmitters and how they bind to the postsynaptic neuron to produce an effect. For (2) I expect to write roughly the same thing, but including a description of the way neurons sum all of their inputs to calculate the final result.

 

[zhermes]

Your plan sounds great. I think you've already hit upon the key difference: the second aspect is looking for a larger scale---i.e. the system-level, big-picture---where-as the first question is just about the electrochemistry.

 

[nobahar]

Firstly, is there any significant difference between these two? For (1) I was planning on describing the action potential, then briefly discussing the release of neurotransmitters and how they bind to the postsynaptic neuron to produce an effect. For (2) I expect to write roughly the same thing, but including a description of the way neurons sum all of their inputs to calculate the final result.

For (2), you could also mention the stochastic nature of neuron firing, which is quite interesting (in my opinion).