Action Potentials Flashcards
What is the potential difference that exists across the membrane of all cells
The resting membrane potential
What is the range for the resting membrane potential
in the range of 20-90 mV
Which is negative - ICF or ECF
ICF
How is the charge distributed across the membrane
There is equal numbers of positive and negative charges in the ECF and ICF but ion/charge distribution is ‘polarized’
What ions are in high concentration in the ECF
Na+ and Cl-
What ions are in high concentrations in the ICF
K+
What is the resting membrane impermeable to
Sodium
What is the resting membrane permeable to
Potassium
What does the diffusion of potassium leave excess of inside the cell
a negative charge
What does the RMP arise from
the separation of charges on either side of the membrane
What is the RMP due to
diffusion of potassium from cell interior through potassium channels
What is the small amount of sodium that leaks into the cell expelled by
sodium potassium pump
Although the RMP is due mainly to the diffusion of potassium from cell interior what else contributes
Na/K pump exchanging unequal numbers of sodium and potassium
What is the rising phase in an AP due to
na influx from voltage gated channels
What is the falling phase in an AP due to
K efflux through voltage gated channels
What are the ion channels
they are membrane proteins
they are aqueous channels through the membrane
What are the different types of gated opening channels
ligand
voltage
What are the ion specific channels
sodium
potassium
calcium 2+