TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 5432

#Unit 7. System Physiology – Animal

Action potentials are the primary electrical responses of neurons and other excitable tissues, and they are the main form of communication within the nervous system.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 5433

#Unit 7. System Physiology – Animal

Important factors in the establishment of the normal resting membrane potential:

Na+-K+ pump

K+ “leak” channels

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 5434

#Unit 7. System Physiology – Animal

In response to a depolarizing stimulus, some of the voltage-gated Na+ channels open and Na+ enters the cell and the membrane is brought to its threshold potential (approximately −55 mV)

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 5435

#Unit 7. System Physiology – Animal

The entry of Na+ causes the opening of more voltage- gated Na+ channels and further depolarization, setting up a positive feedback loop .

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 5436

#Unit 7. System Physiology – Animal

The membrane potential moves toward the equilibrium potential for Na+ (+60 - +65mV) but does not reach it during the action potential, because the increase in Na+ conductance is short-lived.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 5437

#Unit 7. System Physiology – Animal

The Na+ channels rapidly enter a closed state called inactivated state and remain in this state for a few milliseconds