Question

When the nerve cell membrane is at its "resting potential," the potential difference across the membrane is about -70 mV. When a nerve impulse travels down the axon of a nerve cell (shown in this figure taken from the OpenStax Biology textbook), the potential difference across the membrane changes to about +30 mV. This change is called depolarization. Then, the potential difference across the membrane returns to its initial resting state in a process called repolarization. In response to a signal, the soma of the nerve cell becomes depolarized. The depolarization spreads down the axon, and the membrane repolarizes as sodium channels close and additional potassium channels open. Once the membrane is repolarized, it cannot depolarize again. The action potential continues to travel down the axon, maintaining its resting state until the next depolarization.

          When the nerve cell membrane is at its "resting potential," the potential difference across the membrane is about -70 mV. When a nerve impulse travels down the axon of a nerve cell (shown in this figure taken from the OpenStax Biology textbook), the potential difference across the membrane changes to about +30 mV. This change is called depolarization. Then, the potential difference across the membrane returns to its initial resting state in a process called repolarization.

In response to a signal, the soma of the nerve cell becomes depolarized. The depolarization spreads down the axon, and the membrane repolarizes as sodium channels close and additional potassium channels open. Once the membrane is repolarized, it cannot depolarize again.

The action potential continues to travel down the axon, maintaining its resting state until the next depolarization.

Added by Trevor M.

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