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

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Multiple Choice

How is an action potential propagated along an axon?

By the continuous opening of voltage-gated sodium channels along the axon

By the release of neurotransmitters at each segment of the axon

By the passive diffusion of ions through the axonal membrane

By the active transport of potassium ions into the axon

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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 with a characteristic pattern.

Identify the role of voltage-gated sodium channels: These channels open in response to a change in membrane potential, allowing sodium ions (Na+) to enter the neuron, which depolarizes the membrane and initiates the action potential.

Explain the propagation mechanism: Once an action potential is initiated at the axon hillock, it travels along the axon by the sequential opening of voltage-gated sodium channels. This creates a wave of depolarization that moves down the axon.

Clarify the role of myelination: In myelinated axons, the action potential jumps between nodes of Ranvier (gaps in the myelin sheath) in a process called saltatory conduction, which speeds up the propagation.

Differentiate from other options: The release of neurotransmitters occurs at synapses, not along the axon. Passive diffusion of ions and active transport of potassium ions are involved in maintaining resting potential and repolarization, not in the propagation of the action potential.