NROB60H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Action Potential, Oscilloscope, Resting Potential
Document Summary
Action potential is often called a spike, nerve impulse or a discharge. Aps generated by a patch of membrane are all similar in size and duration do not diminish as they are conducted down the axon. Frequency and pattern of aps are the code used by neurons to transfer information from one location to another. The ups and downs of an action potential. Membrane can be measured by inserting a microelectrode in the cell: a voltmeter is used to measure the electrical potential difference between the tip of the intracellular microelectrode and another placed outside the sell. When a membrane is at rest = potential differences is -65 mv. Action potential = membrane becomes positive -> requires an oscilloscope to study this because it happens so fast. When inside of the membrane is more negative that then resting potential = undershoot/ after hyperpolarization: there is then a gradual restoration of the resting potential, and ap lasts about 2 milliseconds.
