Understanding Action Potentials

The movement of potassium ions out of the cell

The release of neurotransmitters binding to receptors

The closing of voltage-gated sodium channels

The hyperpolarization phase

-55 millivolts

-70 millivolts

+30 millivolts

0 millivolts

They close potassium channels

They open sodium-potassium pumps

They bind to receptors, allowing sodium ions to enter the neuron

They hyperpolarize the neuron

Chloride

Magnesium

Potassium

Sodium

0 millivolts

-55 millivolts

-70 millivolts

+30 millivolts

It indicates the neuron is in the repolarization phase

It signals the neuron to hyperpolarize

It triggers the opening of voltage-gated sodium channels

It is the resting membrane potential

Sodium channels close and potassium channels open

Potassium channels close

Sodium channels open further

Neuron immediately returns to resting potential

Reaching 0 millivolts

Reaching -55 millivolts

Reaching +30 millivolts

Reaching -70 millivolts

The opening of sodium channels

A phase where the neuron's interior becomes more negative than the resting potential

A phase where the neuron's interior becomes more positive than the exterior

The closing of potassium channels

By reversing the movement of potassium

By opening more sodium channels

Through the action of sodium-potassium pumps

By closing all ion channels