Click the button below to see similar posts for other categories

How Do Changes in Membrane Potential Affect Signal Propagation in Neurons?

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.

Related articles

Similar Categories
Cell Physiology for Medical PhysiologyCardiovascular Physiology for Medical PhysiologyRespiratory Physiology for Medical Physiology
Click HERE to see similar posts for other categories

How Do Changes in Membrane Potential Affect Signal Propagation in Neurons?

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.

Related articles