Unit 1.1 - Neurons + NTs 2

Neural Transmission

Action Potential

An impulse or brief electric charge that travels down the axon.

Threshold

The level of stimulation needed to trigger a neural impulse.

All or None Response

A neuron either sends an impulse or it does not.

Resting Potential

When a neuron does not have an action potential

Polarized

The state of a resting neuron; the outside of the membrane is positively charged while the inside of the membrane is negatively charged.

Depolarization

describes an axon that is firing. Positive ions enter the axon, and cause other positive ions to move into the axon in the form of a neural impulse down the axon.

Refractory Period

A resting pause, where neurons pump positively charged sodium ions back outside of the cell.

Reuptake

The reabsorption of neurotransmitters by the sending neuron.