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CoursePsychopharmacology Introduction

The drug-action atlas

Enter through a molecule, a synapse, or a brain circuit. Change the conditions and trace what happens next.

Explore the system

From input to output

Trace dendrites → cell body → axon → axon terminal. Myelin wraps the axon; the signal travels along it.

From input to output
Dendrites → Soma / cell body → Axon → Axon terminalDendritesSoma / cell bodyAxonMyelinAxon terminalNodes between myelin segments
Signal propagation is schematic; myelin improves conduction along the axon. Presynaptic and postsynaptic name a neuron's relationship to a particular synapse.

On a small screen, pan the diagram or increase zoom. Named controls provide the same exploration by keyboard.

Predict, then check

Where does an action potential arrive before transmitter release?

Exploration and predictions are practice. They do not award mastery or XP.

Sources and model limits

Original schematic. Positions show relationships; structures and concentrations are not to scale.

  • Julien's Primer of Drug Action · 15 · 2 · From input to output · PDF 22 · 2.1
  • Professor deck 2 · Neuron and action potential · PDF 10, 11, 12, 15, 18