Action potential
Electrical Signal that travels from the Dendrite to the terminal buttons
An action potential is a electrical impulse that travels along the membrane of a neuron or muscle cell. This impulse is initiated when the membrane potential of the cell depolarizes to a certain threshold, typically around -55 to -50 mV.
At this threshold, voltage-gated ion channels in the membrane open, allowing positively charged ions such as sodium (Na+) to rapidly enter the cell and further depolarize the membrane potential. This positive feedback loop continues, producing a rapid spike in the membrane potential known as the action potential.
Once the membrane potential reaches its peak positive value, voltage-gated potassium (K+) channels open and allow K+ to exit the cell, bringing the membrane potential back to its resting potential.
The recovery period after an action potential is known as the refractory period, during which the membrane is unable to produce another action potential until it reaches its resting potential.
The propagation of action potentials along neurons allows for rapid signaling and communication within the nervous system, and is a vital mechanism for the transmission of sensory and motor information throughout the body.
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