Nerve Cell.1

Approximate Elapsed Time: 20 microseconds (20 millionths of a second)

Neurotransmitter molecules rain down on a nerve cell - connecting with a special structure called a receptor. As the receptor opens, sodium ions rush into the cell. This triggers a new nerve impulse in the nerve cell. It takes the receptor roughly 20 microseconds (20 millionths of a second) to open. This is extremely fast, but still slow enough that other molecules, such as drugs, can interact with the neurotransmitters and receptors to affect the nerve cell.

How This Clip Was Made:

This animation was made by first creating 3-dimensional models of different parts of a nerve cell based on technical information. The models were then animated over time to show this function of a nerve cell. The individual frames of the animation were then combined into a video clip. Technical illustrator: Audre Newman. Animator: Richard Hone.

Related Clips:

Nerve Cell.2 - Actual Elapsed Time: 200 microseconds (200 millionths of a second)

Nerve Cell.3 - Actual Elapsed Time: 20 milliseconds (20 thousandths of a second)