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Single action potentials follow the "all or none" rule. That is, if a stimulus is strong enough to depolarize the membrane of the neuron to threshold (~55mV), then an action potential will be fired. Each stimulus that reaches threshold will produce an action potential that is equal in magnitude to every other action potential for the neuron.

Compound action potentials do not exhibit this property since they are a bundle of neurons and have different magnitudes of AP's. Thus compound action potentials are graded. That is, the greater the stimulus, the greater the action potential.

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What is the difference between generator potential and action potential in terms of their roles in the nervous system?

Generator potential is a small electrical signal that occurs in response to a stimulus, while action potential is a larger electrical signal that is responsible for transmitting signals along the nerve cell. Generator potential initiates the process of creating an action potential, which then allows for the transmission of signals within the nervous system.


An electrical impulse moving down an axon is called?

This is called action potential. Action potential is the change in electrical potential that occurs between the inside and outside of a nerve or muscle fiber when it is stimulated, serving to transmit nerve signals.


What is synaptic potential?

A synaptic potential is a change in the electrical potential of a neuron in response to the release of neurotransmitters at a synapse. It can be either excitatory, causing depolarization and promoting action potential firing, or inhibitory, causing hyperpolarization and reducing the likelihood of action potential firing. These changes in potential are essential for communication between neurons in the brain.


Why is the amplitude of the compound action potential recorded from the frog sciatic nerve increased when the voltage of the stimulus was increased above the threshold value?

Increasing the stimulus voltage above the threshold value results in recruiting more nerve fibers to generate action potentials. This leads to a greater number of action potentials being generated simultaneously along the nerve, resulting in a larger compound action potential amplitude being recorded.


Why does hyperpolarization cause a spike to occur?

Hyperpolarization causes a spike to occur because it increases the difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of a neuron, making it more likely for the neuron to generate an action potential or spike.

Related Questions

Can potential difference ocur without current?

Yes. This is the build up of charge. The difference in charge, aka the potential difference, is the driving force that causes current to flow. The third law of thermodynamics is in action when the circuit is completed and the current flows between two point as a result of the potential difference between those two points. (p.s. I am an American girl)


What is the difference between generator potential and action potential in terms of their roles in the nervous system?

Generator potential is a small electrical signal that occurs in response to a stimulus, while action potential is a larger electrical signal that is responsible for transmitting signals along the nerve cell. Generator potential initiates the process of creating an action potential, which then allows for the transmission of signals within the nervous system.


What is a difference in electric charge called?

The chemical gradient refers to the imbalance of substances across the membrane. The Electrical Gradient refers to the difference of charges between substances on different sides of the Membrane. The Electrochemical Gradient refers to the combination of the previous two gradients. The short answer is MEMBRANE POTENTIAL.


What is the magnitude amplitude of an action potential?

The amplitude is about +35 to +40 Millivolts I believe this is incorrect, as this would only raise the resting membrane potential from -70mV to -35 or -40. An action potential needs to raise the membrane potential from -70 mV to +30 mV, so the amplitude needs to be 100 mV.


The difference in the concentrations of a substance across a cells membrane?

action potential


Describes the difference in the concentrations of a substance across a cell membrane?

action potential


What term describes the difference in the concentration of a across a cells membrane?

action potential


What describes the difference in the concentrations of a substance across a cells membrane?

action potential


An electrical impulse moving down an axon is called?

This is called action potential. Action potential is the change in electrical potential that occurs between the inside and outside of a nerve or muscle fiber when it is stimulated, serving to transmit nerve signals.


What is the difference between action replay EZ and normal action replay?

the difference of the action replay is that the ez is new and the original is old


What role to polarity and action potential play in sending out nervous signals?

Polarity refers to the difference in charge across a neuron's membrane, which is essential for generating an action potential. When a neuron is stimulated, depolarization occurs, leading to a rapid influx of sodium ions and a transient reversal of polarity. This action potential propagates along the axon, allowing the transmission of electrical signals. Ultimately, the action potential triggers neurotransmitter release at the synapse, facilitating communication between neurons.


What term describes the difference in concentrations of a substance across a cells membrane?

action potential