Action Potential
Imagine you’re in a crowded room, trying to get someone's attention, and you suddenly shout to break through the noise. This is similar to an action potential in a neuron, where a sudden change in charge allows a nerve impulse to stand out amidst the constant background activity of the nervous system. Just like your shout creates a momentary spike in volume to convey your message, the action potential is a rapid reversal of charge across a neuron’s membrane that allows nerve signals to be transmitted with clarity and urgency.
Practice Version
Action Potential: A sudden reversal in the charge of a neurons membrane, also called a nerve impulse. Action potential. An action potential is a quick electrical signal that travels along a neuron, allowing it to communicate with other cells.