chapter 3 Flashcards
(33 cards)
membrane potential defintition
- plasma membrane- of all living cells has a membrane potential ( polarized electrically )
-separation of opposite charges across the plasma membrane ( across ICF and ECF) - electrical potential difference across the plasma membrane when the cell is in a non-excited state.
- responsible for signal transmission
key ions :
sodium ( Na+) - ECF/ 15-75X more permeable
potassium ( K+) - ICF/ low permeability ( needs excitation)
other ions :
( don’t move often )
chloride ( CL-)
Bicarbonate (HCO3)
larger ions and proteins ( A-)
when at membrane potential is at rest :
-constant membrane potential is present in cells of NON-EXCITABLE tissues
-The resting membrane potential (electrochemical equilibrium) is typically –70 mV on the inside.
nerve and muscle cells
excitable cells, have the ability to produce rapid and transient changes in there membrane potential when excited
effects of a sodium-potassium pump on membrane potential:
-makes a contribute through its unequal transport of positive ions
-maintains equilibrium
role of the Na + and K+ pump
ongoing role of stabilizing the membrane potential and equilibrium
factors of the Na+ and K+ pump
ratio 3:2
primary active transport ( needs ATP)
restores the membrane
higher to lower
various changes in the membrane potential
-polarization - any state when the membrane potential is other than 0mv
-depolarization- the membrane becomes less polarized than at the resting potential
- depolarization- the membrane returns to its resting potential
- hyper polarization- the membrane becomes more polarized than at the resting potential
two different types of electrical signals
graded potential and action potential
graded potenial
local changes in the membrane potential that occur varying grades or degrees of magnitude or strength
occurs in small, special regions of the membrane
short distance
few mm
local current flow
leaks - decremental
cytoplasmic resistance
depends on the amplitude of the stimulus
examples of graded potential
postsynaptic potential ( PSP)
receptor potential
end-plate potentials ( EPP)
pacemaker potentials
action potential
when the membrane reaches the threshold potential
flow of the sodium ions move into the ICF, reverses the membrane potential from -70Mv to +30 Mv
flow of the potassium ions move into the ECF and restore the membrane potential to resting state
“positive feedback” - childbirth
double gating sodium channels
factors of action potential
rising phase- increasing the movement of Na+ ions [ influx] INTO the cell
permeability change or P Na+ influx ( peak)
peaks at 30Mv ( the P Na+ decreases) ( the P K+ increases)
P K+ increases [ efflux ] - leaves cells
goes to rest - brief , rapid, large, 100Mc change
positive feedback - Na+ channels open
double gating of Na+ channels
( 1) leak or 2) gated channel)
activation gates of sodium channels
rising phase
closed at rest and opens after the state of depolarization
allows influx of sodium
inactivation gates of sodium channels
stops the flow of sodium
falling phase
refractory periods
all-or-none principle
current flow is ALWAYS unidirectional
( stubborn)
periods of time following an action potential
marked by decreased excitability
two refractory periods
absolute refractory period
spans all of the depolarization and most of the repolarization phase
second action potential cannot be generated
sodium gates are inactivated
Na+ CLOSE
K+ OPEN
relative refactory period
- stimulus needs to be strong
spans last part of repolarization phase and hyperpolarization
sodium gates closed
few potassium channels still open
Na+ REST
K+ FEW
3 parts of a neuron
cell body - typical cell
dendrites- input zone ( unique )
axons -
* axon hillock- input zone
* conducting
* axon terminal- output zone
myelinated fibers
- provide info from the CNS to the PNS
** primary composed of lips
formed by oligodendrocytes in CNS
formed by Schwann cells in PNS
unmyelinated fibers
known as the nodes of the Ranvier
C-fiber
highly composed of Na+ and K+ channels
larger diameter- faster conduction
multiple sclerosis
losing myelin/disintegrating myelin
extreme weakness and fatigue
difficulty walking- wheelchair bound
loss of vison
2 types of propagation- action potential
contiguous conduction ( to touch )
saltatory conduction ( to jump )