Neurones, action potentials, synapses and receptors

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Describe the structure and function of sensory neurones, relay neurones and motor neurones, including myelination, nodes of Ranvier, cell-surface membranes, dendrites, axons and their roles in rapid communication.
Explain the resting potential and the generation of an action potential, including sodium and potassium ion movement, voltage-gated channels, depolarisation, repolarisation, the all-or-nothing principle, threshold and the refractory period.

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Explain transmission across cholinergic synapses and neuromuscular junctions, including calcium ion entry, vesicle fusion, acetylcholine release, receptor binding, sodium ion entry and the role of acetylcholinesterase.

Describe and explain the sequence of events in a reflex arc, including the roles of receptors, sensory neurones, relay neurones, motor neurones and effectors.

Explain how receptors act as transducers and interpret the operation of named receptors such as Pacinian corpuscles and photoreceptors, including stimulus conversion into generator potentials and the production of nerve impulses.

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