Mastering Nerve Action Potential

Action potential is the rapid change in the membrane potential of a neuron in response to a stimulus. It is mainly caused by the movement of ions across the cell membrane. During an action potential, there is a rapid influx of sodium ions into the neuron, causing depolarization, followed by an efflux of potassium ions, leading to repolarization.

The successive stages of nerve action potential include: 1. Resting potential: The membrane potential when the neuron is at rest, around -70mV. 2. Depolarization: Rapid influx of sodium ions, causing the membrane potential to become more positive. 3. Repolarization: Efflux of potassium ions, restoring the membrane potential to its resting state. 4. Hyperpolarization: Momentary overshoot of the membrane potential, making it more negative than the resting potential. 5. Refractory period: A brief period where the neuron is unresponsive to further stimulation.

Answer will vary. It should include the resting potential, depolarization, repolarization, hyperpolarization, and refractory period.

The properties of action potential include: 1. All-or-none response: Action potential either occurs fully or does not occur at all. 2. Self-propagation: Once initiated, action potential propagates along the neuron without diminishing in strength. 3. Non-decremental: Action potential does not decrease in amplitude as it travels along the neuron. 4. Irreversible: Once initiated, action potential cannot be stopped or reversed.

In myelinated fibers, the conduction of nerve impulses is faster due to saltatory conduction. The action potential jumps from one node of Ranvier to another, skipping the myelinated segments. In non-myelinated fibers, conduction is slower as the action potential needs to travel along the entire length of the axon.