Exploring Neuron Action Potentials and Graded Potentials

This video by Paul Anderson explains the concept of action potentials in neurons, detailing the resting potential, the role of sodium and potassium ions, and the mechanism of action potentials. It covers how signals propagate along the axon and the importance of voltage-gated channels. The video also discusses graded potentials and the all-or-none law governing action potentials.

What is the primary function of an action potential in neurons?

• To produce hormones

• To digest food

• To transmit information

• To store energy

Which ions are primarily involved in establishing the resting potential of a neuron?

• Hydrogen and oxygen

• Calcium and magnesium

• Chloride and bicarbonate

• Sodium and potassium

What is the typical resting potential of a human neuron?

• 0 millivolts

• 70 millivolts

• -70 millivolts

• -30 millivolts

What role does the sodium-potassium pump play in maintaining the resting potential?

• It pumps sodium into the cell and potassium out

• It pumps potassium into the cell and sodium out

• It pumps both sodium and potassium into the cell

• It pumps both sodium and potassium out of the cell

At what voltage do sodium voltage-gated channels open during an action potential?

• 30 millivolts

• -70 millivolts

• -55 millivolts

• 0 millivolts

What happens to the voltage of a neuron when sodium ions rush into the cell during an action potential?

• It fluctuates randomly

• It becomes more negative

• It remains the same

• It becomes more positive

How does myelination affect the speed of action potential propagation?

• It slows it down

• It stops it completely

• It has no effect

• It speeds it up

What is the all-or-none law in relation to action potentials?

• An action potential will occur or not, regardless of stimulus strength

• An action potential will always occur at maximum strength

• An action potential will occur only if the stimulus is strong enough

• An action potential will vary in strength based on the stimulus

What type of neurotransmitter moves the neuron towards the threshold for an action potential?

• Excitatory

• Neutral

• Inhibitory

• Depolarizing

Which ion movement is associated with inhibitory neurotransmitters?

• Sodium rushing in

• Potassium rushing out

• Calcium rushing in

• Magnesium rushing out