Action Potential Overview

These flashcards cover the key concepts and phases related to the action potential in neurons.

What happens when a stimulus reaches the threshold for an action potential?

Voltage-gated sodium channels open, causing sodium to rush into the cell.

What is the result of sodium ions rushing into the neuron during depolarization?

The membrane potential becomes more positive as it tries to reach the equilibrium potential for sodium at +58 mV.

What is hyperpolarization in the context of an action potential?

It is the phase where the membrane potential goes below -70 mV due to potassium ions leaving the cell.

What do voltage-gated potassium channels do during an action potential?

They open to allow potassium ions to exit the cell, leading to repolarization of the membrane potential.

What is the role of sodium-potassium pumps during the action potential process?

They pump three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions back in, helping to restore the resting membrane potential.

What is the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

Approximately -70 mV.

What two phases compose the action potential process following depolarization?

Repolarization and hyperpolarization.

What does the term 'depolarization' refer to?

The phase when the membrane potential increases due to sodium ions entering the cell.