nerve impulse: Resting Potential, Threshold, Action Potential , Depolarization, Repolarization Flashcards

1
Q

What is the resting potential of a neuron?

A

The resting potential of a neuron is typically around -70 mV.

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2
Q

True or False: The resting potential is the state when a neuron is actively transmitting an impulse.

A

False

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3
Q

What ion is primarily responsible for maintaining the resting potential?

A

Potassium (K+)

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4
Q

Fill in the blank: The threshold potential is usually around _____ mV.

A

-55 mV

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5
Q

What happens when the threshold potential is reached?

A

An action potential is triggered.

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6
Q

True or False: Depolarization involves the influx of sodium ions (Na+).

A

True

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7
Q

What is depolarization?

A

Depolarization is the process where the membrane potential becomes less negative (more positive).

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8
Q

During an action potential, what is the maximum membrane potential typically reached?

A

Around +30 mV.

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9
Q

What occurs during repolarization?

A

The membrane potential returns to a more negative value after depolarization.

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10
Q

Which ion channels open first during depolarization?

A

Sodium (Na+) channels.

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11
Q

Fill in the blank: After repolarization, the membrane may experience a brief period called _____.

A

hyperpolarization

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12
Q

True or False: Hyperpolarization makes a neuron more likely to fire an action potential.

A

False

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13
Q

What is the role of the sodium-potassium pump?

A

To maintain the resting potential by moving Na+ out and K+ into the cell.

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14
Q

True or False: An action potential is an all-or-nothing response.

A

True

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15
Q

What is the refractory period?

A

The time during which a neuron cannot fire another action potential.

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16
Q

Fill in the blank: The rapid change in membrane potential during an action potential is primarily due to the movement of _____ ions.

A

sodium (Na+)

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17
Q

What is the sequence of events during an action potential?

A

Depolarization, repolarization, and hyperpolarization.

18
Q

What role do voltage-gated ion channels play in action potentials?

A

They open or close in response to changes in membrane potential, allowing ion flow.

19
Q

Fill in the blank: The resting potential is maintained by the _____ of ions across the membrane.

A

differential distribution

20
Q

What happens during the overshoot phase of an action potential?

A

The membrane potential becomes positive.

21
Q

What is the function of myelin sheaths?

A

To insulate axons and increase the speed of action potential conduction.

22
Q

True or False: Action potentials can vary in size.

23
Q

What is the effect of a stronger stimulus on action potential generation?

A

It increases the frequency of action potentials, not their size.

24
Q

What is the significance of the threshold potential?

A

It is the critical level to which a membrane potential must be depolarized to initiate an action potential.

25
Fill in the blank: The period during which a neuron is less likely to fire another action potential is called the _____ period.
refractory
26
What causes the falling phase of an action potential?
The efflux of potassium ions (K+) out of the neuron.
27
True or False: During depolarization, the interior of the neuron becomes more negative.
False
28
What is the role of calcium ions (Ca2+) in neurotransmitter release?
Calcium ions trigger the release of neurotransmitters at the synapse.
29
What happens to sodium channels during repolarization?
They close, stopping the influx of sodium ions.
30
Fill in the blank: The term _____ refers to the time it takes for a neuron to recover after firing an action potential.
refractory period
31
What type of signaling occurs when a neurotransmitter binds to a receptor on a postsynaptic neuron?
Chemical signaling.
32
True or False: Action potentials can propagate without the need for myelin.
True
33
What is saltatory conduction?
The jumping of action potentials from node to node in myelinated axons.
34
Fill in the blank: The return to the resting potential after an action potential is primarily due to the movement of _____ ions.
potassium (K+)
35
What is the primary difference between graded potentials and action potentials?
Graded potentials vary in magnitude, while action potentials are all-or-nothing.
36
What initiates the depolarization phase of an action potential?
The opening of voltage-gated sodium channels.
37
Fill in the blank: The membrane potential becomes more positive during _____ and more negative during _____ .
depolarization; repolarization
38
True or False: The action potential travels down the axon by continuous conduction in unmyelinated fibers.
True
39
What is the typical duration of an action potential?
About 1-2 milliseconds.
40
What happens to the potassium channels during the peak of the action potential?
They begin to open, allowing K+ to exit the neuron.
41
Fill in the blank: The _____ phase of an action potential is characterized by the rapid influx of sodium ions.
depolarization