The action potential allows neurons to carry a signal quickly. In 2-4 sentences, briefly summarize what occurs in an action potential.

Answer 1

An action potential is a rapid change in the electrical potential across a neuron's membrane, triggered by a stimulus that depolarizes the neuron. This depolarization causes voltage-gated sodium channels to open, allowing sodium ions to rush in and further depolarize the membrane. Once a certain threshold is reached, the action potential propagates along the axon, followed by the opening of potassium channels that repolarize the membrane, returning it to its resting state. This process enables the swift transmission of signals along neurons.