Neuron parts and the synapse
Label the parts of a neuron and explain how a signal crosses a synapse.
Labeled neuron diagram (all five parts with signal-direction arrow) and a two-sentence explanation of synaptic transmission.
- 1Do thisLabel the parts of a neuron and explain how a signal crosses a synapse.
- 2Use this resource
- 3Submit thisNotebook check: Labeled neuron diagram (all five parts with signal-direction arrow) and a two-sentence explanation of synaptic transmission.
- 4Submit it here
- 1CMSD website. Go to clevelandmetroschools.org and click the Clever button.
- 2Clever. Clever opens. Sign in if it asks.
- 3Microsoft (district) login. Use your district Microsoft account (the one for school).
- 4Schoology. Open Schoology, then your class, then Assignments, and find the file named below.
The file to submit is named: Human Anatomy & Physiology (Human Body Systems) › Unit 2.1 Getting Nervous: Nervous system structure, brain anatomy, neurons, signaling, sheep brain or virtual alternative. › Notebook checkOpen Schoology
- CER:
- Claim, Evidence, Reasoning — make a claim, back it with evidence, explain your reasoning.
- SOP:
- Standard Operating Procedure — the exact steps to follow (especially in a lab).
- Tracker:
- Your PLTW progress log where you record completed evidence.
- myPLTW:
- The PLTW course site where you do the online activities — you open it through Schoology.
Minute-by-minute · 80-minute block
💡 Big idea: A neuron transmits an electrical signal along its axon and converts it to a chemical signal (neurotransmitter) to cross the synaptic gap to the next cell.
- 0-8Intro: neuron as the functional unit of the nervous system
- 8-25Notes: five neuron parts and synaptic transmission steps
- 25-45PLTW online task: synaptic transmission
- 45-62Label neuron diagram: dendrite, soma, axon, myelin, terminal; add signal arrow
- 62-75Write two-sentence synapse explanation: neurotransmitter release to receptor binding
- 75-80Submit diagram and explanation; preview Wednesday brain dissection
- • The nervous system is the body's electrical grid. Every sensation, movement, thought, and reflex runs through it.
- • Today we go down to the single cell. A neuron is the functional unit of the nervous system. You need to know every part and which direction the signal travels.
- • The synapse is where electrical becomes chemical. That conversion is the step that most drugs target. Understanding it is essential for the pharmacology content on the WebXam.
- • Your labeled diagram is the artifact. It must show signal direction, all five structural components, and a two-sentence synapse explanation.
- 1Read the notes on the dendrite, cell body, axon, and myelin sheath.
- 2Label a neuron diagram and mark the direction of signal flow.
- 3Complete the PLTW online task on synaptic transmission.
- 4Explain in two sentences how neurotransmitters carry the signal across the gap.
- 5Submit your labeled neuron diagram and synapse explanation.
- • You can label the parts of a neuron and the signal direction.
- • You can explain transmission across a synapse.
- • Neuron anatomy: dendrites (receive signals), cell body/soma (integrates signals), axon (conducts the action potential), myelin sheath (speeds conduction), axon terminal (releases neurotransmitter).
- • The synapse is the junction between two neurons. Neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic terminal, cross the synaptic cleft, and bind receptors on the postsynaptic membrane.
- • Many drugs and toxins work by altering neurotransmitter release or receptor binding, connecting nervous-system anatomy directly to pharmacology and pathophysiology.
Your PLTW work today
Unit 2.1 Getting Nervous: Nervous system structure, brain anatomy, neurons, signaling, sheep brain or virtual alternative. · Neuron parts and the synapse
Day 2 of this lesson. Open this exact section in myPLTW (reached through Schoology), then do the work below.
Do this: Complete the neuron-parts and synapse task in Lesson 2.1 Getting Nervous on myPLTW; work through all screens on dendrites, axon, myelin, and neurotransmitter release.
Mark the neuron task complete after submitting your labeled neuron diagram.
Introductory task is done; today the neuron task should show complete.
myPLTW completion status plus your submitted diagram.
All PLTW activities are completed inside the PLTW course environment — this page only gives direction. Submit producibles on Schoology.
Today's PLTW tracker
Check things off as you work, then submit. This tells Mr. Mendoza how you're doing so he can help the class. It does not replace turning in your producible on Schoology.
Use the code Mr. Mendoza gave you, not your name. Saved on this device.
Unit 2.1 Getting Nervous: Nervous system structure, brain anatomy, neurons, signaling, sheep brain or virtual alternative. · Neuron parts and the synapse
Complete the neuron-parts and synapse task in Lesson 2.1 Getting Nervous on myPLTW; work through all screens on dendrites, axon, myelin, and neurotransmitter release.
Introductory task is done; today the neuron task should show complete.
This is how Mr. Mendoza sees the class keeping pace with PLTW. Be honest, it only helps if it is accurate.
🎯 Label the parts of a neuron and explain how a signal crosses a synapse.
- Read the notes on the dendrite, cell body, axon, and myelin sheath.
- Label a neuron diagram and mark the direction of signal flow.
- Complete the PLTW online task on synaptic transmission.
- Explain in two sentences how neurotransmitters carry the signal across the gap.
- Submit your labeled neuron diagram and synapse explanation.
Notebook check: Labeled neuron diagram (all five parts with signal-direction arrow) and a two-sentence explanation of synaptic transmission.
Submit on SchoologyUpload by 11:29 PM for full credit.
| Task | Who |
|---|---|
| Read the notes on the dendrite, cell body, axon, and myelin sheath. | _______ |
| Label a neuron diagram and mark the direction of signal flow. | _______ |
| Complete the PLTW online task on synaptic transmission. | _______ |
| Explain in two sentences how neurotransmitters carry the signal across the gap. | _______ |
| Submit your labeled neuron diagram and synapse explanation. | _______ |
Working solo? Put your own name in "Who" for every row.
- You can label the parts of a neuron and the signal direction.
- You can explain transmission across a synapse.
Resources & readings
Vetted readings and references for this unit. Use them to prepare, to catch up if you were absent, or to go deeper on today's target.
Lab & supplies
WebXam practice
Cumulative WebXam review
A quick mixed-review pulling questions from earlier units plus today, so the WebXam material stays fresh.
Where this leads — careers
What today's skills lead to. These are real health-science careers this course builds toward. Tap one to see, on the US Department of Labor's O*NET site, what the job actually involves, what it pays, and how fast it is growing.
What to do if you were absent
Today is individual PLTW work, so do exactly what we did in class, from home: complete the same PLTW target above, then submit your Notebook check.
Open Schoology (CMSD) and keep goingHow to get there: open the CMSD website, click Clever, sign in with your Microsoft (district) account, then open Schoology from Clever.
Class still runs. Complete the online activity above (it's self-guided). Need the concept taught without a teacher? Use this authoritative explainer:
Khan Academy: Nervous System- CompleteEvery required part of the artifact is present, nothing left blank.
- AccurateThe science and the data are correct and match the evidence.
- Scientific reasoningYou explain your claim with evidence and reasoning (CER), not just an answer.
- Professional communicationClear, organized, labeled, and written the way a clinician or scientist would.
- SubmittedTurned in the right way (Schoology for routine work) and confirmed.
Drop your Wed, Oct 7, 2026 · Neuron parts and the synapse here. Use a clear file name (your initials + project). Routine work still goes to Schoology (via the CMSD portal).
Upload a project