Action Potentials

Front

What is the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

Back

-70 mV

Front

Which ions are primarily involved in generating an action potential?

Back

Potassium (K+) and Sodium (Na+) ions.

Front

What is the threshold potential in the context of action potentials?

Back

The minimum membrane potential that must be reached for an action potential to occur.

Front

During the depolarization phase of an action potential, which ion channels open?

Back

Sodium (Na+) channels.

Front

What is hyperpolarization in a neuron?

Back

A phase where the membrane potential becomes more negative than the resting potential.

Front

What is the role of potassium ions during an action potential?

Back

Potassium ions (K+) flow out of the neuron during repolarization, restoring the resting membrane potential.

Front

Define action potential.

Back

A rapid, temporary change in the membrane potential of a neuron that allows for the transmission of electrical signals.

Front

What happens during the repolarization phase of an action potential?

Back

The membrane potential returns to a more negative value after depolarization.

Front

What is the significance of the threshold potential?

Back

It determines whether an action potential will be generated; if not reached, no action potential occurs.

Front

What is the all-or-nothing principle in action potentials?

Back

Once the threshold is reached, an action potential will occur fully; if not, it will not occur at all.