Changes in the electric charge of a neuron’s membrane really affect how signals move through it.
Normally, the resting membrane potential is about -70 mV. This means the inside of the neuron has a slight negative charge compared to the outside.
When a neuron gets a signal, something called depolarization happens. This usually makes the charge go up to around +30 mV.
This change happens because sodium ions (Na) rush into the neuron when the membrane's charge hits a certain point, usually around -55 mV.
Once the signal starts, it travels down the axon. The speed of this travel can be between 1 to 120 meters per second. How fast it moves depends on two main things: the thickness of the axon and whether it has a covering called myelin.
Changes in the electric charge of a neuron’s membrane really affect how signals move through it.
Normally, the resting membrane potential is about -70 mV. This means the inside of the neuron has a slight negative charge compared to the outside.
When a neuron gets a signal, something called depolarization happens. This usually makes the charge go up to around +30 mV.
This change happens because sodium ions (Na) rush into the neuron when the membrane's charge hits a certain point, usually around -55 mV.
Once the signal starts, it travels down the axon. The speed of this travel can be between 1 to 120 meters per second. How fast it moves depends on two main things: the thickness of the axon and whether it has a covering called myelin.