Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System

Propagation of Action Potentials

Anatomy & Physiology

11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System

Propagation of Action Potentials

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Anatomy & Physiology?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the propagation of depolarization down an axon?

The action potential travels as a wave of depolarization along the axon membrane.

Depolarization occurs only at the axon hillock and does not travel.

The action potential is initiated at the axon terminal and moves towards the cell body.

Depolarization is a passive process that does not involve ion channels.

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of an action potential: An action potential is a rapid rise and subsequent fall in voltage or membrane potential across a cellular membrane, primarily in neurons.

Recognize the role of ion channels: Depolarization involves the opening of voltage-gated sodium channels, allowing Na+ ions to enter the neuron, which changes the membrane potential.

Identify the starting point of an action potential: It typically begins at the axon hillock, where the threshold potential is reached, triggering the opening of ion channels.

Describe the propagation of depolarization: Once initiated, the action potential travels as a wave of depolarization along the axon membrane, moving from the axon hillock towards the axon terminal.

Clarify the direction and nature of propagation: The action potential does not move backwards towards the cell body, nor is it a passive process; it actively involves ion channels opening sequentially along the axon.