What is the general sequence for neural communication?

• A. Chemical signals first, then electrical signals.
• B. Nuclear signaling drives neural communication.
• C. Electrical > chemical > electrical > chemical > etc.
• D. Electrical signaling only.

Answer: (C)

Neural communication moves through an alternating sequence of electrical and chemical signals. An action potential travels along the presynaptic neuron’s axon—that's the electrical part. When it reaches the end of the axon, that electrical signal triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft (the chemical part). These chemicals cross the gap and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, producing electrical changes there that may trigger another action potential. That new electrical signal then travels along the next neuron, and the cycle can repeat again. In short, the typical flow is electrical signaling to chemical signaling to electrical signaling, and so on.