What is the Sequence of Events in an Action Potential?
The sequence of events in an action potential can be broken down into several phases: 1. Resting Phase: The neuron is at its resting membrane potential, maintained by the sodium-potassium pump. 2. Depolarization: When the neuron is stimulated, sodium channels open, and sodium ions enter the cell, causing depolarization. 3. Repolarization: Potassium channels open, potassium ions exit the cell, and the membrane potential returns to a negative value. 4. Hyperpolarization: The membrane potential becomes slightly more negative than the resting potential before returning to its normal state.
