Electrical Signals and Neural Pathways

Electrical Signals and Neural Pathways

Synapse

• After the action potential is triggered and the "electricity" travels down to the end of the neuron it reaches the synapse
• Where an axon attaches to a muscle, gland, organ, or other neuron
• Involved with release of neurotransmitters
• Ex. Neuromuscular junction

Action Potential

Resting Membrane Potential

• “Electricity” that cause depolarization and repolarization
• Change resting membrane potential by activating gated ion channels
• Local Current: movement of Na+ which causes inside of cell to be more positive (depolarize)
• If enough Na+ enters then threshold is reached and more Na+ channels open
• Once threshold is reached all or none law applies
• Action potentials continue until Na+ channels close, K+ channels open, and repolarization occurs
• Sodium/potassium pump restores

• Outside the cell is more positive (Na+)
• Inside the cell is more negative (K+)
• Leak ion channels
• Always open (K+)
• Gated ion channels
• Only open when a specific signal is sent (Na+)