Erregungsübertragung

Erregungsübertragung refers to the process by which a signal or impulse is transmitted from one cell to another. In biological systems, this is most commonly observed in the nervous system, where it allows for communication between neurons and between neurons and effector cells such as muscles or glands. This transmission typically occurs at specialized junctions called synapses.

At a chemical synapse, the arrival of an electrical impulse (action potential) at the presynaptic terminal triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, the small gap between the two cells. These neurotransmitters then diffuse across the cleft and bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic membrane of the receiving cell. This binding event can lead to a change in the electrical potential of the postsynaptic cell, either exciting it (making it more likely to fire its own action potential) or inhibiting it (making it less likely to fire).

Electrical synapses also exist, where ions flow directly from one cell to another through gap junctions. This allows for very rapid transmission of signals, but it is less common than chemical transmission. The precise mechanisms of erregungsübertragung are crucial for a vast array of physiological functions, including sensory perception, motor control, thought, and emotion. Disruptions in this process can lead to various neurological disorders.