Neurons and Membrane Potential

These flashcards cover key terms related to neurons and membrane potential, focusing on their functions, properties, and the concepts necessary for understanding action potentials and neuronal signaling.

Neurons

Cells that transmit electrical and chemical signals in the nervous system.

Membrane Potential (Vm)

The voltage difference across a cell's plasma membrane, typically negative when at rest.

Equilibrium Potential

The membrane potential at which the net movement of a specific ion across the membrane is zero.

Graded Potential

A change in membrane potential that is localized and varies in size.

Action Potential

A rapid, temporary change in membrane potential that propagates along the axon.

Dendrites

Extensions of a neuron that collect electrical signals from other neurons.

Axon

The long fiber of a neuron that transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body.

Sodium (Na+)

An ion that carries a positive charge and is critical for neuronal action potentials.

Potassium (K+)

An ion that carries a positive charge and affects the resting membrane potential.

Synaptic Transmission

The process of transferring signals from one neuron to another through synapses.

Voltage-gated Channels

Channels that open or close in response to changes in membrane voltage.

Refractory Period

A period during which a neuron cannot fire another action potential.

Saltatory Conduction

The process by which action potentials propagate along myelinated axons, jumping from one node of Ranvier to another.

Librarian Guide

A resource mentioned in lectures providing assistance with paper assignments.

Negative Resting Membrane Potential

The state where the inside of the neuron is more negative than the outside, typically -70 mV.

Chemical Force

The force acting on an ion that drives it from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Electrical Force

The force driving charged ions toward areas with an opposite charge.

After-hyperpolarization

A period following an action potential during which the membrane potential becomes more negative than the resting potential.