action potential
Definition
An action potential is a rapid, temporary change in the electrical membrane potential of a cell, which travels like a wave along the cell's membrane. It is crucial for the transmission of nerve signals and muscle contraction.
Analogy
Imagine an action potential as a domino effect in a line of dominos. When one domino falls (stimulus occurs), it triggers the next to fall (ion channels open), leading to a wave that travels along the line (nerve or muscle fiber) until all dominos have fallen (signal transmitted).
Related terms
Neuron: A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; a nerve cell.
Synapse: The junction between two neurons or between a neuron and a muscle cell, where electrical or chemical signals are transmitted.
Sodium: potassium pump - A cellular mechanism that uses ATP energy to move sodium out of cells and potassium into cells against their concentration gradients, essential for restoring conditions after an action potential
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