Neural Action Potentials Overview

A collection of flashcards summarizing key terms and concepts related to neural action potentials and neural communication.

Neural Communication

The electrochemical process of transmitting messages between different regions of the body.

Depolarization

The process where the membrane potential becomes less negative, moving toward 0 mV.

Repolarization

The return of the membrane potential from a depolarized state back toward the resting potential.

Hyperpolarization

A state where the membrane potential becomes more negative than the resting potential.

Voltage-Gated Channels

Ion channels that open or close in response to changes in membrane potential.

Na⁺/K⁺ Pump

An active transporter that moves 3 Na⁺ ions out of the cell and 2 K⁺ ions into the cell, maintaining the resting gradient.

Action Potential

A rapid rise and fall in membrane potential that occurs when a neuron transmits a signal.

Threshold

The level of membrane potential that must be reached to trigger an action potential.

Polarized State

A state where the membrane potential is more negative than the threshold potential, typically around -70 mV.

First Phase

Depolarization (AP Phases)

Second Phase

Repolarization (AP Phases)

Third Phase

Hyperpolarization (AP Phases)

Fourth (Last) Phase

Recovery (AP Phases)