Action Potential: A review

Front

Which ions are involved in an action potential?

Back

Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K) ions are involved in generating an action potential.

Front

What is the normal resting potential of a neuron cell membrane?

Back

The normal resting potential of a neuron cell membrane is -70mV.

Front

What forms a boundary between the inside of the cell and the outside of the cell?

Back

The Cell Membrane forms a boundary between the inside of the cell and the outside of the cell.

Front

What does 'Water Loving' refer to?

Back

'Water Loving' refers to Hydrophilic substances that interact well with water.

Front

When a neuron is resting, what is the charge inside the axon?

Back

When a neuron is resting, the inside of the axon has a negative charge.

Front

What is an action potential?

Back

An action potential is a rapid change in membrane potential that occurs when a neuron sends information down an axon.

Front

What triggers the depolarization phase of an action potential?

Back

The depolarization phase is triggered by the influx of sodium ions (Na+) into the neuron.

Front

What is the role of potassium ions (K+) during an action potential?

Back

Potassium ions (K+) help to repolarize the neuron after depolarization by exiting the cell.

Front

What is the threshold potential for an action potential to occur?

Back

The threshold potential is typically around -55mV, at which point an action potential is initiated.

Front

What is the significance of the refractory period?

Back

The refractory period is the time during which a neuron cannot fire another action potential, ensuring unidirectional signal propagation.