Question

How do neurotransmitters communicate with postsynaptic neurons?

Answer 1

The way of communication of neurotransmitters with postsynaptic neurons is similar to the way of absorption of nutrients in the small intestine during the process of digestion.

Complete answer:
Mechanism of synaptic transmission: A synapse is a microscopic gap or point or junction where two neurons meet. It is found between the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron and the dendrite terminal of the postsynaptic neuron, and there is a cleft that separates them. The synapse is a junction through which the two neurons communicate.
-The synaptic transmission occurs in two different ways:
-Chemical transmission: When a nerve impulse reaches the endplate of the axon or the synaptic knob where synaptic vesicles are present that are filled with neurotransmitters.
These synaptic knobs or endplates release acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter across the cleft of the synapse. Here the acetylcholine diffuses across the cleft and binds to the receptors that are present on the membrane of the other neuron or postsynaptic membrane. This will result in depolarization of the membrane and an action potential is also initiated in the postsynaptic neuron which means the nerve impulse has been transmitted.
-Electrical transmission: In the neuron, an electric current is formed which generates an action potential and leads to the transmission of nerve impulses across the nerve fiber.

Note:
-Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are released from a neuron following an action potential.
-For exciting or inhibiting the target neuron the neurotransmitter travels across the synapse.
-By opening sodium gates the neurotransmitter changes the permeability of the postsynaptic neuron for ${ Na }^{ + }$ ions.