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Questions and Answers
What occurs during the hyperpolarization phase of a neuron?
What occurs during the hyperpolarization phase of a neuron?
What characterizes the absolute refractory period?
What characterizes the absolute refractory period?
What is the role of the myelin sheath in neuron function?
What is the role of the myelin sheath in neuron function?
During which phase is a stronger stimulus required to initiate an action potential?
During which phase is a stronger stimulus required to initiate an action potential?
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What are the gaps created by the myelin sheath called?
What are the gaps created by the myelin sheath called?
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What is the typical resting membrane potential of neurons?
What is the typical resting membrane potential of neurons?
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Which ion is found in higher concentration outside the neuron at resting membrane potential?
Which ion is found in higher concentration outside the neuron at resting membrane potential?
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What triggers the all-or-nothing response in action potentials?
What triggers the all-or-nothing response in action potentials?
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During the depolarization phase of an action potential, which of the following occurs?
During the depolarization phase of an action potential, which of the following occurs?
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What role do sodium-potassium pumps play in neurons?
What role do sodium-potassium pumps play in neurons?
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What occurs during the repolarization phase of an action potential?
What occurs during the repolarization phase of an action potential?
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Which type of ion channel is always open and allows for passive transport of ions?
Which type of ion channel is always open and allows for passive transport of ions?
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What primarily initiates the action potential in a neuron?
What primarily initiates the action potential in a neuron?
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Study Notes
Action Potentials: Neural Signal Transmission
- Neurons are specialized cells transmitting information throughout the body
- Key components of a neuron include the cell body, dendrites, axon, and axon terminals
- Neurons function as the body's electrical communication system
- They are essential for thoughts, movements, sensations, and bodily functions
Resting Membrane Potential
- The default state of neurons when not transmitting signals
- Typically around -70 millivolts (mV)
- Maintained by sodium-potassium pumps
- More sodium (Na+) outside the cell
- More potassium (K+) inside the cell
- Creates an electrical gradient across the membrane
Ion Channels
- Specialized proteins in cell membranes
- Types include:
- Voltage-gated channels: Open and close based on membrane potentials
- Ligand-gated channels: Open and close based on specific chemicals (neurotransmitters)
- Leak channels: Always open, allowing ions to move across the membrane via passive transport
- Crucial for action potential generation, controlling ion movement
Action Potential Initiation
- A stimulus causes sodium channels to open
- Sodium ions rush into the cell
- Membrane potential becomes more positive
- Threshold potential reached at -55 mV
- Triggers an all-or-nothing response
Depolarization Phase
- Rapid influx of sodium ions
- Membrane potential becomes positive, peaking at approximately +30 mV
- Sodium channels begin to close
- Potassium channels open
Repolarization Phase
- Potassium ions flow out of the cell
- Membrane potential returns towards the resting state
- Sodium channels remain inactive
- Active transport of ions begins
Hyperpolarization
- Brief period where membrane potential drops below resting state
- Also called the refractory period
- Prevents backwards signal transmission
- Ensures one-way signal propagation
Refractory Periods
- Absolute refractory period: No new action potential possible; sodium channels inactive
- Relative refractory period: Stronger stimulus needed for a new action potential; partial recovery phase
Myelin Sheath
- Insulating material around axons
- Produced by glial cells called Schwann cells
- Speeds up signal transmission
- Creates gaps called nodes of Ranvier
- Enables saltatory conduction
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of action potentials and how neurons transmit electrical signals throughout the body. This quiz covers key concepts such as resting membrane potential and different types of ion channels. Test your understanding of these crucial components of neural communication.
