Action Potentials and Saltatory Conduction
In the spaces next to the figures below, explain an action potential. Indicate what type of
channels are open, closed, or inactivated at each of the four stages indicated by black
rectangles. Use the insets for help and write using terms like permeability and current.
- Be sure to include: potassium leak channels (which are always open), voltage-gated
potassium channels, voltage-gated sodium channels, inactivation, and the direction of sodium
and potassium currents.
Potassium
Leak Channels
Voltage-
Gated
Sodium
Channels
Voltage-Gated
Potassium
Channels
What ion is
the cell most
permeable to?
What
direction is
the current?
• Pen
open
open
open