Neurons and Membrane Potential Dynamics Flashcards
What is a rapid-acting major homeostatic system of the human body?
The Nervous System
What system communicates via electrical and chemical signals?
The Nervous System
What system is responsible for sensation, movement, response to environment, internal function, memory, feelings, and thought?
The Nervous System
The Nervous System is highly connected throughout, but is comprised of:
The central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system
Graded potentials comprise _____, which are spontaneously generated and rhythmic depolarizations that do not require a stimulus to begin.
pacemaker potentials
Graded potentials comprise ______, which begin at receptor cells that carry information in afferent direction.
receptor potentials
Where do graded potentials occur?
along the entire length of some neurons
Graded potentials occur in postsynaptic neurons in response to neurotransmitters/other stimuli in a process called a _______.
synaptic potential
Graded potentials begin due to action of _____ channels. Not many _____ channels.
(ligand-gated and/or mechanically-gated) (voltage-gated)
Starting at the axon hillock, _____ open in response to graded potentials of sufficient strength to initiate an ______. Action potential travels down the axon.
voltage-gated channels; action potential
Action potentials cause more dramatic _____ and require intense ______ afterwards.
depolarization; repolarization
______ are fast and efficient means of cell-to-cell communication.
action potentials
Action potentials may only occur across ______. Graded potentials do not require this.
excitable membranes
Actions potentials are made possible by _____ channels.
voltage-gated
Grated potentials that set up the action potential are initiated by ______ or_____ channels.
ligand-gated or mechanically-gated channels
