Physiology of Nerve Impulses

Question 1

Two major functional properties of neurons

Answer 1

Irritability - Response to a stimulus and coverts to nerve impulse

Conductivity - Transmit the impulse to other neurons, muscles, or gland

Question 2

State of neurons plasma membrane during its resting potential. Include distribution of positive ions inside and outside of the cell

Answer 2

Resting, Inactive neuron is polarized. Fewer positive ions sitting inside neurons plasma membrane then there are outside.

Question 3

What happens during depolarization of neuron, include movement of ion and change in membrane polarity.

Answer 3

Stimulus temporarily changes permeability of neuron membrane. The exchange of the ions reverses membrane polarity making the inside of cell to be positive and outside negative.

Question 4

Why are nerve impulses “electrochemical”

Answer 4

Action potential along axon is electrical
Transmission of impulse across synapse is chemical