Steps of an Action Potential

Flashcards on key terms and definitions related to the steps of an action potential.

Resting membrane potential

A potential of $-70\,mv$ produced by a differential concentration of sodium on the outside and potassium on the inside across the membrane.

Depolarization

The shift in membrane potential caused by a stimulus that must be large enough to reach threshold.

Threshold

The level of depolarization required from a stimulus to open voltage dependent sodium channels.

Voltage dependent sodium channels

Channels that open to allow sodium to enter the neuron and close at the peak of the AP.

Peak of AP

The point where voltage dependent sodium channels close and voltage dependent potassium channels open.

Voltage dependent potassium channels

Channels that open allowing potassium to leave the neuron and close to slowly.

Hyperpolarization

A state produced when voltage dependent potassium channels close to slowly.

Sodium potassium pump

The pump responsible for reestablishing the resting membrane potential after hyperpolarization.