Describe the changes that occur during the depolarizationand repolarization phases of an action potential.

Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap Course List)
9th Edition
ISBN:9781285866932
Author:Lauralee Sherwood
Publisher:Lauralee Sherwood
Chapter4: Principles Of Neural And Hormonal Communication
Section4.1: Introduction To Neural Communication
Problem 2CYU
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Question

Describe the changes that occur during the depolarization
and repolarization phases of an action potential.

Expert Solution
Step 1: Introduction

Muscle cells and nerve cells are electrically excitable. Nerve cells transmit sensory and motor information from effector organs and the central nervous system in the form of electric signals or action potentials. The action potential travels from the dendrites to the axon terminal in the nerve cells. Muscle cells contracts and relax in response to the electrical signal.

Conduction of action potential consists of four phases. They are depolarization, overshoot, repolarization, and hyperpolarization. Change in the membrane potential caused by potential gradient across the membrane is responsible for depolarization and repolarization of cells.

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Organ system
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, nursing and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap …
Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap …
Biology
ISBN:
9781285866932
Author:
Lauralee Sherwood
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:
9781305112100
Author:
Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:
Cengage Learning