action potential generation

Question 1

define absolute refractory

Answer 1

when an additional action potential cannot be induced no matter how intense the
stimuli

Question 2

define relative refractory

Answer 2

a period when the neuron is less excitable and more
intense stimulation is need to generate an action potential

Question 3

define length constant

Answer 3

distance where decay reaches 37% of its original value. it measures how far electrical signals can passively travel.

Question 4

what is a capacitator

Answer 4

something that stores and discharges charge; the plasma membrane is an example

Question 5

define tau/time constant

Answer 5

the time required for voltage response to rise or fall by 63%. smaller tau= faster response

Question 6

define spike-timing plasticity

Answer 6

allows neurons to adjust their excitability based on
whether they receive a back-propagating action potential