action potential Flashcards
how are neurons named?
shape
anatomical features
neurotransmitter
function
what is the input zone of a neuron? (gets info)
dendrite
where is the integration zone of a neuron?
cell body
where is action potential initiated in a neuron?
axon hillock
where does the signal leave the neuron?
axon terminal
is an axon long or short?
long
what is an action potential?
an electrical signal that travels from one end of a cell to the other rapidly
what are the 4 major ions responsible for membrane potential?
K
Na
Cl
Ca2
what do electrical signals in neurons depend on?
rapid changes in membrane potential
what do ion channels do?
mediate the flow of ions that underlie the electrical signals in excitable cells
what is the structure of ion channels?
a protein with a water filled pore for ions to go through
what are the properties of ion channels?
acts as specific filters
conducting and non-conducting states (open and closed)
gating
why do ion channels gate?
changes in membrane potential
ligand binding
mechanical forces
describe step 1 of the action potential of K and Na voltage-gated channels;
initial depolarization. caused by trigger. Na channels open
describe step 2 of the action potential of K and Na voltage-gated channels;
reaches threshold
describe step 3 of the action potential of K and Na voltage-gated channels;
explosive depolarization. Na feed-back loop
describe step 4 of the action potential of K and Na voltage-gated channels;
peak potential. Na begins to close and K opens.