Action Potential
Definition
Action potential is an electrical charge that travels along an axon when a neuron transmits information.
Analogy
Imagine action potential as a wave rolling across the ocean towards shore. The wave starts small but builds up energy until it crashes onto shore - this is similar to how an action potential moves down an axon.
Related terms
Resting Potential: This is like calm water before the wave forms; it’s the state of readiness in which a neuron finds itself before being activated by an action potential.
Refractory Period: After crashing onto shore, waves recede back into sea before another can form - this period where no new waves can form mirrors neurons' refractory period after firing an action potential.
Synapse: Just as waves crash onto shore at specific points, action potentials reach synapses - junctions between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.
"Action Potential" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (10)
What is the threshold potential, the minimum level of stimulation required to trigger an action potential?
What is the process by which an action potential travels down the length of an axon, from the cell body to the terminal button?
What is it called when a neuron fires an action potential?
What happens during action potential within a neuron?
What happens when a neuron's action potential is reached?
Which ion's movement into the neuron initiates an action potential?
How does an action potential relate to neural firing?
What happens when a neuron's action potential reaches -55mV?
How could one innovatively investigate if action potential propagation speed influences reaction times?
How does action potential trigger the release of neurotransmitter from axon terminal?
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