Week 2

Question 1

Term

Answer 1

Definition

Question 2

Absolute Refractory Period

Answer 2

The period during which no new action potential can be generated because Na+ channels are open or inactivated.

Question 3

Relative Refractory Period

Answer 3

The period during which a stronger-than-usual stimulus is required to trigger an action potential as Na+ channels recover and K+ channels remain open.

Question 4

Electrotonic Flow

Answer 4

A fast but inefficient method of signal transmission due to current leakage along the axon.

Question 5

Sequential Action Potentials

Answer 5

The process by which each segment of the axon regenerates an action potential to ensure signal continuity.

Question 6

Axon Diameter

Answer 6

A factor affecting conduction velocity; larger diameter axons have less resistance and transmit signals faster.

Question 7

Myelination

Answer 7

The presence of a myelin sheath around an axon, which speeds up signal transmission through saltatory conduction.

Question 8

Saltatory Conduction

Answer 8

The process by which action potentials jump between Nodes of Ranvier in myelinated neurons, increasing transmission speed.

Question 9

Nodes of Ranvier

Answer 9

Unmyelinated gaps along a myelinated axon where action potentials are regenerated.

Question 10

Demyelination

Answer 10

The loss of myelin sheath, which slows or disrupts signal conduction in neurons.

Question 11

Neuron Classification

Answer 11

The categorization of neurons based on conduction velocity, which depends on axon diameter and myelination.