Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

45. Nervous System

Neurons and Action Potentials

General Biology

45. Nervous System

Neurons and Action Potentials

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Multiple Choice

The process of firing an action potential begins when a neuron is stimulated and:

the membrane potential becomes more negative due to K$^+$ influx

the membrane potential reaches the threshold, causing voltage-gated Na$^+$ channels to open

the sodium-potassium pump stops functioning

neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of an action potential: An action potential is a rapid electrical signal that travels along the membrane of a neuron. It is initiated when the neuron is stimulated and the membrane potential changes.

Recognize the role of the threshold potential: The threshold potential is the critical level of depolarization that must be reached for voltage-gated Na⁺ channels to open. This is a key step in firing an action potential.

Explain the opening of voltage-gated Na⁺ channels: When the membrane potential reaches the threshold, voltage-gated Na⁺ channels open, allowing Na⁺ ions to flow into the cell. This influx of Na⁺ ions causes further depolarization of the membrane.

Clarify why K⁺ influx does not initiate an action potential: K⁺ ions typically move out of the cell during repolarization, not into the cell during depolarization. Therefore, K⁺ influx does not contribute to the initiation of an action potential.

Discuss the role of neurotransmitters and the sodium-potassium pump: Neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal after the action potential reaches the end of the neuron, and the sodium-potassium pump helps restore the resting membrane potential after the action potential has occurred. Neither of these processes directly initiates an action potential.