1. Neurotransmission involves both electrical and chemical processes. When an action potential reaches the presynaptic terminal, voltage-gated calcium channels open, allowing calcium ions to enter the presynaptic cell. This influx of calcium triggers the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft. The neurotransmitters then bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, leading to the opening or closing of ion channels. This causes changes in the membrane potential of the postsynaptic neuron, either depolarizing it (excitatory effect) or hyperpolarizing it (inhibitory effect).

2. Depolarizations are referred to as excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) because they make the postsynaptic neuron more likely to reach its threshold and generate an action potential. The influx of positively charged ions into the postsynaptic neuron during an EPSP depolarizes the membrane potential, bringing it closer to the threshold for firing an action potential. On the other hand, hyperpolarizations are referred to as inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) because they make the postsynaptic neuron less likely to reach its threshold and fire an action potential. The influx of negatively charged ions into the postsynaptic neuron during an IPSP hyperpolarizes the membrane potential, moving it further away from the threshold for firing an action potential.

3. The absolute refractory period is a brief period of time after an action potential during which the neuron is unable to generate another action potential. This is due to the inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels. During the absolute refractory period, no amount of depolarization can cause the neuron to fire another action potential. The relative refractory period follows the absolute refractory period and is a period during which the neuron can generate another action potential, but only if the depolarization is greater than usual. This is because the voltage-gated sodium channels have recovered from inactivation, but the membrane potential is still hyperpolarized, making it more difficult for the neuron to reach its threshold.

4. The brain is a complex organ composed of different regions that perform specific functions. Some key areas of the brain include the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, and the limbic system. Each of these areas is involved in various aspects of cognition, emotion, and sensory processing.

The main neurotransmitters in the brain include serotonin, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, and acetylcholine. These neurotransmitters play crucial roles in regulating various brain functions. For example, serotonin is involved in mood regulation, dopamine is involved in reward and motivation, GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter, glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter, and acetylcholine is involved in memory and attention.

Chemical neurotransmission refers to the process by which neurotransmitters are released from presynaptic neurons and bind to receptors on postsynaptic neurons, allowing for communication between neurons. This process involves the synthesis, storage, release, binding, and reuptake of neurotransmitters. Each neurotransmitter has specific receptors that it binds to, and the binding of neurotransmitters to these receptors can have excitatory or inhibitory effects on the postsynaptic neuron. The balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission is essential for maintaining normal brain function.

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