Action Potential

What is an action potential?

An action potential is a rapid change in electrical membrane potential that results in a transient depolarization of the cell followed by a return to the resting state.

What triggers an action potential?

An action potential is triggered when a neuron receives a strong enough stimulus, changing the membrane potential to a threshold level.

What are the stages of an action potential?

The stages of an action potential include depolarization, repolarization, and hyperpolarization.

What role do sodium and potassium ions play in an action potential?

During an action potential, sodium channels open, allowing Na+ ions to rush into the cell, causing depolarization, followed by potassium channels opening, allowing K+ ions to exit the cell, which leads to repolarization.