10 Questions
What is the term used to describe a neuron with a negative membrane potential?
Polarised
Which ion occupies a higher proportion in the inner membrane of a neuron?
Potassium
What type of ion channels open due to the physical stretching or deformation of the membrane?
Mechanically-Gated Channels
What does the sodium-potassium pump do to establish an electrochemical gradient across the cell membrane?
Pumps 3 potassium ions out for every 2 sodium ions pumped in
What is a 'graded' potential that is not sufficient to propagate along the axon?
Small change in membrane potential
What does the resting membrane potential of a neuron typically measure at?
-70mV
In what state is a neuron when it possesses a negative membrane potential?
Polarised
At what membrane potential do voltage-gated sodium channels typically open, leading to a rapid influx of sodium ions?
-55mV
During the peak phase of an action potential, what contributes to a further influx of sodium ions?
Opening of voltage-gated sodium channels
What process helps balance the membrane potential by allowing potassium ions to exit the neuron?
Repolarization
Learn about how action potentials are formed in neurons through the separation of charges across a membrane. Understand the role of cationic sodium ions in creating an overall positive charge outside the cell.
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