1. The neuron fires an action potential, sending the electrical signal down the axon.
When a neuron is above its threshold level, it generates an action potential. This is an electrical impulse that travels down the neuron's axon, triggering the release of neurotransmitters at the synapse. This allows communication with other neurons or muscles.
A neuron that is excited to subthreshold is said to be depolarized. This means that the neuron's membrane potential has become less negative, bringing it closer to the threshold potential needed to generate an action potential.
When a resting neuron's membrane depolarizes, it becomes more positive due to an influx of positively charged ions like sodium. This change in membrane potential triggers an action potential, leading to the propagation of electrical signals along the neuron.
polarized, depolarized, repolarized
False
Threshold
A neuron fires when its membrane reaches a certain threshold potential. This threshold potential is typically around -55 to -65 millivolts. When the membrane potential reaches this level, an action potential is triggered and the neuron fires.
Depolarization refers to the reversal of charges of neuron cell membrane, it occurs by moving in of 'Na' ions .
A neuron reaches its trigger point when the combined inputs it receives from other neurons or sensory receptors exceed a certain threshold. Once this threshold is reached, the neuron generates an action potential, which propagates down its axon to communicate with other neurons or muscle cells.
Excitation and Inhibition occur in the neurons. Excitation is when a neuron becomes depolarized and fires an action potential. Inhibition is when a neuron becomes hyperpolarized preventing it from firing an action potential.
threshold
Increasing the stimulus intensity past the threshold level for a neuron will not further increase the action potential generated. Once the threshold is reached, the neuron will fire an action potential at its maximum intensity.