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Firstly, a stimulus causes an influx of sodium ions into the axon. This causes further sodium voltage-gated ion channels to open, causing more sodium ions to move into the axon, down an electrochemical gradient, this depolarises the axon, if the influx of sodium ions reaches the threshold value of the axon then an action potential is produced. The sodium-voltage gated channels close when the potential of the axon reaches +40 mv. Potassium ion channels open, allowing K+ ions out of the axon and into surrounding tissue fluid. The electrical gradient is reversed and more potassium ions leave the axon. This is repolarisation. As more potassium ion channels are open compared to at resting potential, hyperpolarisation occurs. This is where the axon is more negative then usual. The sodium-potassium pump actively transports 3 Na+ ions out of the axon and 2K+ ions into the axon, with the use of ATP; allowing the resting potential to be reastablished.

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13y ago
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6mo ago

An action potential is a rapid change in electrical potential across the cell membrane of a neuron, which allows for communication between neurons. It is initiated by a depolarization of the cell membrane, followed by a spike in electrical activity as ions flow in and out of the cell. This wave of depolarization and repolarization allows for the transmission of signals along the neuron.

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11y ago

It conveys a neural impulse along an axon.

It does so in a manner that is as strong at the end of the axon as at the beginning.

It only fires when enough input impulses sum up at the axon hillock (the beginning of the axon), and it does not vary in strength, so it's considered an 'all or nothing' signal; different intensities of sensory inputs are conveyed by different rates of firings, such that a strong sensory input will yield a fast series of action potentials, and a weak sensory input will yield just a few action potentials.

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12y ago

descibe the action potential the characteristics and the direction

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Q: Describe an action potential
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Related questions

What was the effect of curare on eliciting an action potential?

It creates an action potential


Will a hyperpolarization graded potential lead to an action potential?

No, hyperpolarization graded potentials do not lead to action potentials. Hyperpolarization makes the membrane potential more negative, which inhibits the generation of an action potential by increasing the distance from the threshold potential needed to trigger an action potential.


What is the regeneration of action potential called?

The regeneration of action potential is called "propagation." It involves the transmission of the action potential along the length of the neuron's axon.


Why does curare create an action potential?

Curare does NOT create an action potential. It binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (which are primarily excitatory), and prevents the formation of an action potential.


Why does curare appear to generate an action potential?

It doesn't. I prevents an action potential from forming.


What transmission of the depolarization wave along the neurons membrane?

Action potential


Also called a nerve impulse transmitted by axons?

action potential


Can subthreshold stimulation cause an action potential?

No, subthreshold stimulation is not sufficient to trigger an action potential. The membrane potential needs to reach a certain threshold level for an action potential to be generated. Subthreshold stimulation only produces graded potentials that do not reach the threshold for firing an action potential.


What is the difference between a compound action potential and a single action potential?

A compound action potential is the summation of multiple individual action potentials from different neurons, resulting in a larger, composite response. A single action potential is the brief electrical impulse that travels down an individual neuron in response to a stimulus.


An electrical impulse moving down an axon is called?

An electrical impulse moving down an axon is called an action potential. This process involves the rapid depolarization and repolarization of the axon membrane in response to a stimulus, allowing for the transmission of signals along the neuron.


The action potential is generated when a stimulus?

The action potential is generated when a stimulus causes a change in the electrical potential across the cell membrane, resulting in the opening of voltage-gated ion channels. This allows an influx of sodium ions, causing depolarization of the membrane and initiation of the action potential.


What is an action paragraph?

a paragraph that describe an action?