Neural Communication

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to neural communication, including processes of action potentials and membrane potentials.

Excitable cells

Cells that can generate and propagate action potentials, primarily neurons and muscle cells.

Polarization

The state where the inside of a cell is more negative than the outside, typically at resting membrane potential.

Depolarization

The process by which the membrane potential becomes more positive than the resting potential.

Repolarization

The process of restoring the membrane potential to its resting state after depolarization.

Hyperpolarization

The state in which the membrane potential becomes more negative than the resting potential.

Resting membrane potential

The electrical charge of a neuron when it is not actively sending a signal, usually around -70mV.

Voltage-gated channels

Channels that open or close in response to changes in membrane potential, crucial for action potentials.

Graded potential

A change in membrane potential that varies in magnitude and can spread over short distances.

Action potential

A rapid, sizeable change in membrane potential that propagates along the neuron.

Propagation of action potentials

Action potentials are propagated along the axon, traveling from the axon hillock to the axon terminals.

Channels during rapid depolarization

During this phase, voltage-gated sodium channels open, causing an influx of Na+ ions.

Channels during rapid repolarization

During this phase, voltage-gated potassium channels open, allowing K+ ions to exit the cell.

Channels during hyperpolarization

Voltage-gated potassium channels remain open briefly, causing an overshoot in membrane potential.

Restoration of resting membrane potential

This process involves the closing of potassium channels and the activity of the Na+/K+ pump.