can we collectively agree not to learn action potentials and polarisation ty
jokes here i feel bad: "
An
action potential is an electrical impulse that allows neurons to transmit signals over long distances. The process begins with the
depolarization of the neuron membrane. When a neuron receives a stimulus,
voltage-gated sodium (Na⁺) channels open, allowing Na⁺ ions to rush into the cell. This influx of positive ions makes the inside of the cell more positive, causing the membrane potential to rise from its resting state of about
-70 mV to around
+30 mV.
After reaching this peak, the neuron undergoes
repolarization.
Voltage-gated potassium (K⁺) channels open, and K⁺ ions move out of the cell, restoring the membrane potential to a more negative value. This movement of K⁺ out of the cell reestablishes the negative internal charge.
Finally, the neuron briefly enters a state called the
hyperpolarization phase, where the membrane potential becomes slightly more negative than the resting potential. The
sodium-potassium pump then restores the resting potential by actively transporting Na⁺ out and K⁺ back into the cell, preparing the neuron for another action potential.
" just know this
