Sure! Let's break this down into simpler terms.
The action potential in neurons is really interesting! It happens in a few important steps:
Resting State: The neuron is calm and has a charge of about -70 mV. At this point, sodium (Na) channels are closed, and potassium (K) channels are a little bit open.
Getting Excited: When something stimulates the neuron, the sodium channels open up. This lets sodium rush into the neuron, and the charge quickly goes up to about +30 mV.
Cooling Down: Once the charge hits its highest point, the sodium channels close. Then, the potassium channels open, and potassium leaves the neuron. This brings the charge back down.
Going Lower: Sometimes, the charge goes lower than -70 mV for a short time because the potassium channels are slow to close. This makes it harder for the neuron to send a signal again right away.
Back to Normal: Finally, the sodium-potassium pump works to get everything back to the resting state, so the neuron is ready for the next signal.
It’s a cool process where tiny particles, called ions, move around to help neurons send messages!
Sure! Let's break this down into simpler terms.
The action potential in neurons is really interesting! It happens in a few important steps:
Resting State: The neuron is calm and has a charge of about -70 mV. At this point, sodium (Na) channels are closed, and potassium (K) channels are a little bit open.
Getting Excited: When something stimulates the neuron, the sodium channels open up. This lets sodium rush into the neuron, and the charge quickly goes up to about +30 mV.
Cooling Down: Once the charge hits its highest point, the sodium channels close. Then, the potassium channels open, and potassium leaves the neuron. This brings the charge back down.
Going Lower: Sometimes, the charge goes lower than -70 mV for a short time because the potassium channels are slow to close. This makes it harder for the neuron to send a signal again right away.
Back to Normal: Finally, the sodium-potassium pump works to get everything back to the resting state, so the neuron is ready for the next signal.
It’s a cool process where tiny particles, called ions, move around to help neurons send messages!