despolarization
depolarization
An ion channel.
depolarization
depolarization
When a nerve impulse is conducted, the neuronal cell membrane undergoes changes in electrical potential. This starts with a rapid influx of sodium ions into the cell through voltage-gated sodium channels, depolarizing the membrane. This depolarization triggers the opening of adjacent sodium channels, resulting in an action potential that travels along the membrane. After the impulse passes, the sodium channels close, and potassium channels open, allowing potassium ions to exit the cell and restore the resting potential.
The function of a neuron is to transmit a signal at a very fast rate. The function of the entire nervous system is to provide a system that allows for signals to be transmitted quickly from one specific location to another locations.
Let's picture a presynaptic neuron, a synaptic cleft, and a postsynaptic neuron. An action potential reaches the terminal of a presynaptic neurone and triggers an opening of Ca ions enters into the depolarized terminal. This influx of Ca ions causes the presynaptic vesicles to fuse with the presynaptic membrane. This releases the neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. The neurotransmitters diffuse through the synaptic cleft and bind to specific postsynaptic membrane receptors. This binding changes the receptors into a ion channel that allows cations like Na to enter into the postsynaptic neuron. As Na enters the postsynaptic membrane, it begins to depolarize and an action potential is generated.
The nerve impulse causes the release of acetylcholine from the motor end plate. This causes the depolarization of the membrane of the adjacent muscle cell. Depolarization triggers the release of calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum inside the muscle cell. In the presence of ATP, the high calcium level causes the myosin heads to bend, dragging actin filaments towards the middle of the unit of contraction.
When an action potential reaches the end of a neuron, it triggers the release of neuotransmitters such as epinephrine (sympathetic) or achetylcholine (parasympathetic).
A temporary accumulation of sodium ions at the axon hillock which yields a voltage sufficient to open voltage-gated ion pores on the axon is what triggers an action potential.
Calcium triggers synaptic vesicles to discharge the neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft.
Receptor potential, a type of graded potential, is the transmembrane potential difference of a sensory receptor. A receptor potential is often produced by sensory transduction. It is generally a depolarizing event resulting from inward current flow. The influx of current will often bring the membrane potential of the sensory receptor towards the threshold for triggering an action potential. A receptor potential is a form of graded potential, as is a generator potential. It arises when the receptors of a stimulus are separate cells. An example of this is in a taste bud, where taste is converted into an electrical signal sent to the brain. When stimulated the taste bud triggers the release of neurotransmitter through exocytosis of synaptic vesicles from the presynaptic membrane. The neurotransmitter molecules diffuse across the synaptic cleft to the postsynaptic membrane. A postsynaptic potential is then produced in the first order neuron, and if the stimulus is strong enough to reach threshold this may generate an action potential which may propagate along the axon into the central nervous system