Understanding Action Potentials

This video by Paul Anderson explains the concept of action potentials in neurons, detailing the resting potential, the role of sodium-potassium pumps, and the process of depolarization and repolarization. It covers how action potentials propagate along axons and the influence of graded potentials and synapses. The video also discusses the all-or-none law governing action potentials.

What are the three types of potentials discussed in the video?

• Static, Dynamic, and Kinetic Potentials

• Positive, Negative, and Neutral Potentials

• Electrical, Chemical, and Mechanical Potentials

• Resting, Graded, and Action Potentials

What primarily maintains the resting potential of a neuron?

• Voltage-gated channels

• Chloride channels

• Sodium-potassium pump and ion permeability

• Calcium channels

What is the primary function of the sodium-potassium pump?

• To generate action potentials

• To inhibit ion movement

• To maintain the resting potential

• To facilitate neurotransmitter release

What triggers the opening of sodium voltage-gated channels during an action potential?

• The presence of neurotransmitters

• A specific voltage threshold

• A change in light intensity

• A decrease in temperature

What happens when potassium ions move out of the neuron during an action potential?

• The neuron becomes more positive

• The neuron becomes more negative

• The neuron remains unchanged

• The neuron becomes neutral

How does myelination affect the speed of action potential propagation?

• It has no effect on speed

• It slows down the propagation

• It speeds up the propagation

• It reverses the direction of propagation

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

• Action potentials vary in size based on stimulus strength

• Action potentials depend on the type of neuron

• Action potentials occur fully or not at all

• Action potentials can be partially activated

What determines whether a neuron will fire an action potential?

• The size of the neuron

• The summation of graded potentials

• The color of the neuron

• The temperature of the environment

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

• Excitatory neurotransmitters

• Chemical neurotransmitters

• Neutral neurotransmitters

• Inhibitory neurotransmitters

What is the role of chemically gated channels in graded potentials?

• They open in response to neurotransmitters

• They open in response to voltage changes

• They maintain the resting potential

• They close during an action potential