Multiple Choice
An inhibitory local potential causes which of the following?
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45. Nervous System
Neurons and Action Potentials
Multiple Choice
Which term refers to the upward change in membrane potential during an action potential?
A
Repolarization
B
Hyperpolarization
C
Depolarization
D
Resting potential
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the concept of membrane potential. Membrane potential refers to the difference in electrical charge across a cell's membrane, primarily due to the distribution of ions like sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺).
Step 2: Learn about the phases of an action potential. An action potential is a rapid change in membrane potential that occurs in excitable cells, such as neurons. The key phases include depolarization, repolarization, and hyperpolarization.
Step 3: Define depolarization. Depolarization is the phase during which the membrane potential becomes less negative (moves upward) due to the influx of sodium ions (Na⁺) through voltage-gated sodium channels.
Step 4: Compare depolarization with other terms. Repolarization refers to the return of the membrane potential to a more negative value after depolarization, while hyperpolarization refers to a membrane potential that becomes more negative than the resting potential. Resting potential is the stable, baseline membrane potential of a cell when it is not actively transmitting signals.
Step 5: Conclude that the upward change in membrane potential during an action potential is called depolarization, as it involves the movement of the membrane potential toward a positive value.
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