The generation of an action potential involves several steps:
1.
Resting Membrane Potential: At rest, the inside of the cell is negatively charged relative to the outside, primarily due to the distribution of
ions such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+).
2.
Depolarization: Upon receiving a stimulus,
voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing Na+ to flow into the cell. This causes the membrane potential to become more positive.
3.
Repolarization: After reaching a peak, the voltage-gated sodium channels close and
voltage-gated potassium channels open, allowing K+ to flow out of the cell. This returns the membrane potential to a negative value.
4.
Hyperpolarization: Sometimes, the membrane potential becomes more negative than the resting potential before stabilizing.
5.
Return to Resting State: The sodium-potassium pump helps restore the original ion concentration, bringing the cell back to its resting state.
