What is Action Potential?

Alie Astrocyte explains action potentials, starting with a recap of resting potential. She describes how a signal from another neuron can cause depolarization, where sodium ions rush into the cell, making it more positively charged. This signal moves down the neuron like a wave. After the signal passes, the cell repolarizes and hyperpolarizes, returning to its resting state. The entire process takes less than a millisecond. Alie hints at the next episode, which will cover how signals move between neurons.

What is the resting potential of a neuron and how is it maintained?

Describe the process that occurs when a neuron receives a signal from another neuron.

Explain the significance of the threshold voltage in action potentials.

What happens during depolarization of a neuron?

What occurs after the action potential has fired, particularly regarding potassium channels?