Graded Potentials and Action Potentials

Flashcards covering key concepts related to graded potentials and action potentials in neuronal communication.

Graded Potential

A change in membrane potential that varies in size and can lead to depolarization depending on the amount of sodium ions that flow into the cell.

Depolarization

The process by which the membrane potential becomes less negative (more positive) due to the inflow of sodium ions.

Ion Channels

Proteins that allow ions to flow in and out of the neuron, playing a key role in graded potentials and action potentials.

Sodium/Potassium Pump

A transport protein that maintains the resting membrane potential by moving sodium out of the cell and potassium into the cell.

Axon Hillock

The region of the neuron where action potentials are initiated if the threshold potential is reached.

Voltage-Gated Channels

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

Action Potential

A rapid, all-or-nothing electrical signal that travels down the axon, triggered when the membrane potential reaches a certain threshold.

Threshold Potential

The critical level to which the membrane must be depolarized to initiate an action potential, typically around -55 mV.

Repolarization

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

Hyperpolarization

An increase in membrane potential, making the inside of the cell more negative than during the resting state.