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.

<p>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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>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.</p> Signup and view all the answers