Neurons are special cells in our body that help send messages. When they send these messages, they go through several important stages:
Resting Potential: When a neuron is not sending a message, it has a resting state. This state is about -70 mV. This is kept in balance by something called the sodium-potassium pump, which moves sodium (Na⁺) out of the cell and potassium (K⁺) into the cell.
Depolarization: If the neuron gets excited and reaches around -55 mV, it can send a message. At this point, special channels called voltage-gated Na⁺ channels open up. This lets more Na⁺ flow into the neuron, causing a quick change that raises the charge to about +30 mV.
Repolarization: After the neuron has been excited, the Na⁺ channels shut, and K⁺ channels open instead. This allows K⁺ to flow out of the neuron, helping to bring the charge back down to around -70 mV.
Hyperpolarization: Sometimes, the neuron's charge drops even lower, going to about -80 mV for a short time before settling back to its resting state.
All these steps happen really fast, usually in about 1 to 2 milliseconds. This quick process helps neurons send signals effectively.
Neurons are special cells in our body that help send messages. When they send these messages, they go through several important stages:
Resting Potential: When a neuron is not sending a message, it has a resting state. This state is about -70 mV. This is kept in balance by something called the sodium-potassium pump, which moves sodium (Na⁺) out of the cell and potassium (K⁺) into the cell.
Depolarization: If the neuron gets excited and reaches around -55 mV, it can send a message. At this point, special channels called voltage-gated Na⁺ channels open up. This lets more Na⁺ flow into the neuron, causing a quick change that raises the charge to about +30 mV.
Repolarization: After the neuron has been excited, the Na⁺ channels shut, and K⁺ channels open instead. This allows K⁺ to flow out of the neuron, helping to bring the charge back down to around -70 mV.
Hyperpolarization: Sometimes, the neuron's charge drops even lower, going to about -80 mV for a short time before settling back to its resting state.
All these steps happen really fast, usually in about 1 to 2 milliseconds. This quick process helps neurons send signals effectively.