Action Potential

Front

What is an action potential?

Back

An action potential is an electrical signal that travels along the membrane of a neuron, characterized by a rapid change in membrane potential.

Front

What is the nature of an action potential?

Back

An action potential is electrical in nature.

Front

What is the charge inside a neuron during an action potential?

Back

The inside of the neuron is more negative compared to the outside.

Front

What does depolarization mean?

Back

Depolarization is the process where the membrane potential becomes less negative, moving towards zero.

Front

What is the threshold level of stimulus for an action potential?

Back

The threshold level is -55 mV, which is required to trigger an action potential.

Front

What ions are more concentrated outside a neuron at resting potential?

Back

At resting potential, there is a higher concentration of Na+ (sodium ions) outside the neuron.

Front

What is hyperpolarization?

Back

Hyperpolarization is when the membrane potential becomes more negative than the resting potential.

Front

What is repolarization?

Back

Repolarization is the process of returning the membrane potential to its resting state after depolarization.

Front

What role do sodium ions (Na+) play in action potentials?

Back

Sodium ions (Na+) rush into the neuron during depolarization, causing the inside of the neuron to become more positive.

Front

What is the significance of -55 mV in action potentials?

Back

-55 mV is the threshold required to initiate an action potential.