Action Potential Review

Front

What ions are primarily involved in generating an action potential?

Back

Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K)

Front

What process does the sodium-potassium pump use to restore the resting membrane potential?

Back

Active transport

Front

At what membrane potential do potassium channels open, leading to repolarization?

Back

+30mV

Front

In which direction do action potentials travel along the neuron?

Back

From the axon to the axon terminals.

Front

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

Back

-70mV

Front

What is depolarization in the context of action potentials?

Back

A decrease in the membrane potential, making the inside of the cell more positive.

Front

What role do voltage-gated sodium channels play in action potentials?

Back

They open in response to depolarization, allowing Na+ ions to enter the cell.

Front

What is the significance of the refractory period in action potentials?

Back

It prevents the neuron from firing again too quickly, ensuring unidirectional propagation.

Front

How does the myelin sheath affect action potentials?

Back

It increases the speed of action potential propagation through saltatory conduction.

Front

What is hyperpolarization?

Back

An increase in the membrane potential, making the inside of the cell more negative than the resting potential.