15.3 - Passage of Action Potentials Flashcards
The refractory period How action potentials travel as waves of depolarisation Factors affecting the speed of transmission of an action potential
1
Q
What is the refractory period?
A
Recovery phase after action potential
2
Q
What happens during the refractory period?
A
Neurone membrane cannot generate another action potential
3
Q
What are the essential roles of the refractory period?
A
Prevent overlap
4
Q
How do action potentials travel?
A
Waves of depolarisation
5
Q
What happens during action potential travel?
A
Na+ channels open
6
Q
What factors affect action potential transmission speed?
A
Myelination
7
Q
How does myelination affect speed?
A
Saltatory conduction
8
Q
How does axon diameter affect speed?
A
Larger diameter
9
Q
How does temperature affect speed?
A
Higher temperature
