Action Potential:
Action potential, also known as a neural impulse, refers to the rapid and brief change in electrical potential across a neuron’s membrane. It is a crucial mechanism for information transmission in the nervous system.
Neuron:
A neuron, also called a nerve cell, is an essential component of the nervous system that is responsible for transmitting electrical signals.
Electrical Potential:
Electrical potential, measured in millivolts, is the difference in charge across a neuron’s membrane.
Membrane:
The membrane of a neuron is a specialized structure that surrounds and separates the internal cytoplasm from the external environment. It consists of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins.
Rapid Change:
An action potential involves a swift alteration in the neuron’s electrical potential, which occurs within milliseconds.
Brief Duration:
An action potential is short-lived, typically lasting only a fraction of a second.
Information Transmission:
Action potentials allow for the transmission of information within the nervous system. They travel along the neuron, from the dendrites (input regions) to the axon terminal (output region).
Importance:
Action potentials play a vital role in various physiological processes, including sensory perception, motor control, and cognitive functions, enabling communication between different parts of the body.