why nerve impulse are electrochemical in nature
Answers
Okay let's first understand the term electrochemical
Electro - dealing with electricity or movement of charges or ions
Chemical - chemical transfer
What happens in a nerve impulse?
Due to changes in the ion channels in the neuron cell body ( mainly Na and K channels) an electrical gradient or action potential is developed . This gradient is carried along the cell body and axon - ion transfer or electrical conduction
When this action potential reach the axon terminals it results in release of neurotransmitter into the axonal cleft which again binds to the receptors in the next neuron or muscle - chemical transfer.
Eg in voluntary movements the electrical impulses starts from brain carried through nerves ( axons) . Once the reach axon terminals they release acetylcholine into the muscle which causes contraction