Exploring the Nervous System: Action Potentials and Neuron Function

The video explains how neurons communicate through action potentials, which are electrical impulses that travel along neurons. It covers the basics of electricity in the body, the resting membrane potential, and the process of generating action potentials. The video also discusses how the frequency and speed of action potentials vary, influenced by factors like myelin sheaths. The lesson concludes with a preview of future topics.

What is the only type of signal a neuron can send?

• No signal at all

• Multiple signals at once

• A simple, uniform signal

• A complex signal with varying strengths

What does the body use to separate charges?

• Membranes

• Blood

• Muscles

• Bones

What is the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

• +40 millivolts

• -55 millivolts

• -70 millivolts

• 0 millivolts

What is the role of the sodium-potassium pump?

• To generate neurotransmitters

• To create a gradient of charges across the membrane

• To depolarize the neuron

• To stop action potentials

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What triggers the opening of voltage-gated sodium channels?

• A specific neurotransmitter

• A decrease in membrane potential

• Reaching a threshold membrane potential

• Physical stretching of the membrane

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What happens during hyperpolarization?

• The neuron becomes more negative inside than at resting state

• The neuron's membrane potential reaches 0 mV

• The neuron stops sending signals

• The neuron becomes more positive inside

What initiates the repolarization phase of an action potential?

• The influx of sodium ions

• The action of the sodium-potassium pump

• Closing of voltage-gated sodium channels

• Opening of voltage-gated potassium channels

What is the primary factor affecting a neuron's transmission speed?

• The strength of the stimulus

• The presence of a myelin sheath

• The type of neurotransmitter

• The size of the neuron

How do neurons communicate the intensity of a stimulus?

• By sending different types of action potentials

• By changing the strength of the action potential

• By altering the speed of the action potential

• By varying the frequency of action potentials

What is saltatory conduction?

• The movement of ions across a membrane

• The jumping of action potentials between Nodes of Ranvier

• A type of graded potential

• The process of depolarization