Nervous System

Question 1

Describe the resting potential of the axon

Answer 1

-ions are actively transported against their electrochemical gradient by sodium potassium pump.
- 3 Na+ ions removed from axon and 2 k+ ions taken in

Question 2

Describe depolarisation in the axon

Answer 2

-requires a stimulas
-sodium voltage gate channels opens
-Na+ enter by diffusion
-number of positive ions outside increases

Question 3

Describe hyper polarisation in axon

Answer 3

-slight overshoot into more negative potential
-slight delay in closing K+ gates
-returns to normal due to Na+/K+ pump working normally after the K+ gates close

Question 4

Describe repolarisation in the axon

Answer 4

-Na+ gates close
-K+ flood out
-inside axon is less positive