Action Potential and Neurotransmitters

Front

What is an action potential?

Back

An action potential is an electrical impulse that travels along the axon of a neuron, resulting from the rapid depolarization and repolarization of the neuron's membrane.

Front

What is the significance of -55 mV in neurons?

Back

-55 mV is the threshold potential that must be reached for an action potential to occur.

Front

What is the normal resting potential of a neuron?

Back

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

Front

What role do dendrites play in a neuron?

Back

Dendrites receive signals from other neurons and transmit them to the cell body.

Front

What occurs during depolarization of a neuron?

Back

During depolarization, sodium ions (Na+) rush into the neuron, causing the membrane potential to become more positive.

Front

What is the function of neurotransmitters?

Back

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses from one neuron to another.

Front

What happens at the axon terminal?

Back

At the axon terminal, neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft to communicate with the next neuron.

Front

What is the role of the axon in a neuron?

Back

The axon transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles.

Front

What is hyperpolarization?

Back

Hyperpolarization is an increase in the membrane potential of a neuron, making it more negative than the resting potential.

Front

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

Back

The all-or-nothing principle states that once the threshold is reached, an action potential will occur fully; it cannot be partial.