Neuro psych Quiz 1.2 Flashcards
electrical gradient/polarization
The difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of the cell during rest.
resting potential
the difference between the negative electrical potential inside the membrane vs the more positive electrical potential outside the membrane
selectively permeable
some chemicals pass through the membrane more freely than others.
at rest, are the sodium and potassium channels closed or open>
closed. this allows for almost no flow of sodium and a small flow of potassium
Sodium-potassium pump
A protein complex that transports 3 sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into it.
concentration gradient
the difference in distribution of ions across the membrane.
Is sodium positively or negatively charged?
Positively
When the membrane is at rest, what tends to drive the potassium ions out of the cell
the concentration gradient
When the membrane is at rest, what tends to draw the potassium ions into the cell
Electrical gradient/sodium-potassium pump
action potentials
messages sent by axons
hyperpolarization
increased polarization or to further increase the negative charge inside the neuron
depolarization
to reduce polarization toward zero
what happens when one stimulates beyond the threshold of excitation
a massive depolarization of the membrane
What happens when the stimulus reaches the threshold?
the sodium channel is opened
What is the relationship between the threshold and an action potential
A depolarization that passes the threshold produces an action potential. One that falls short of the threshold does not produce an action potential.
threshold of excitation
produces a massive depolarization of the membrane.
What is the difference between hyperpolarization and depolarization?
Hyperpolarization is an exaggeration of the normal negative energy. Depolarization is a movement towards zero