Lab exam 2

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key stages, voltages, and terminology associated with the action potential and membrane voltage changes.

#2

depolarization

$$-70\,\text{mV}$$

The membrane voltage value corresponding to the cell's resting potential.

Threshold

The critical membrane voltage level (approximately $-55\,\text{mV}$) that must be reached to trigger an action potential.

$$-55$$

The numerical membrane voltage value (in $\text{mV}$) associated with the threshold for initiating an action potential.

Depolarization

The initial rising phase of an action potential where the voltage across the cell membrane increases and becomes more positive.

Repolarization

The falling phase of an action potential following the peak, during which membrane potential decreases and travels past the resting potential.

Hyperpolarization

The phase following repolarization (undershoot) where the membrane potential temporarily drops below the resting potential before returning to rest.

Action Potential

A plot of voltage measured across the cell membrane over time, characterized sequentially by depolarization, repolarization, hyperpolarization, and a return to rest.

Overshoot

The portion of the action potential graph where the membrane voltage rises above $0\,\text{mV}$ toward the peak.

Undershoot

The section of the action potential graph during hyperpolarization where membrane potential dips below the resting potential line.