ipCD – Nervous - Membrane Potentials and Action Potentials

Benjamin Cummings. InterActive Physiology® 8-System Suite CD-ROM, Benjamin Cummings, 2004.

Objective:

To describe in a short essay or with diagrams the role of the intracellular and extracellular ion concentration and of ion channels and ion pumps in the maintenance of the membrane potential and the generation of the action potential, at the level of 85% proficiency for each student.

In order to achieve this objective, you will need to be able to:

1. Describe the relative concentration of ions inside and outside of cells.
2. Explain how Na⁺ and K⁺, ion channels, and the Na-K pump determine and maintain the resting membrane potential.
3. Explain how an action potential is generated when the axon is depolarized to threshold.
4. Explain how the sequential opening and closing of Na+ and K+ channels cause the propagation of the action potential.
5. Explain the significance of the absolute refractory period and the relative refractory period.

© David G. Ward, Ph.D.  Last modified by wardd 23 May, 2006