The production of graded potentials and action potentials depends on two basic o Ligand-gated channel- opens and closes

nd closes in response to the binding of

features of the plasma membrane of excitable cells: a ligand (chemical) stimulus. A wide variety of chemical ligands—
including neurotransmitters, hormones, and particular ions—can open
 Resting membrane- is an electrical potential difference (voltage) that exists
or close ligand-gated channels. The neurotransmitter acetylcholine, for
across the plasma membrane of an excitable cell under resting conditions.
example, opens cation channels that allow Na+ and Ca2+ to diff use
Resting membrane potential standard voltage: -70 mV
inward and K+ to diff use outward. Ligand-gated channels are located
 Ion Channels- there are many kinds of ion channels that open or close in
in the dendrites of some sensory neurons, such as pain receptors, and
response to specific stimuli. When ion channels are open, they allow specific
in dendrites and cell bodies of interneurons and motor neurons.
ions to move across the plasma membrane, down their electrochemical
gradient. Ions move from areas of higher concentration to areas of lower
concentration. Ion channels open and close due to the presence of “gates.” The
gate is a part of the channel protein that can seal the channel pore shut or
move aside to open the pore. The electrical signals produced by neurons and
muscle fibers rely on four types of ion channels.\
o Leak Channels- its gate randomly alternates between open and closed
positions. Typically, plasma membranes have many more potassium
ion (K+) leak channels than sodium ion (Na+) leak channels, and the
potassium ion leak channels are leakier than the sodium ion leak
channels. Thus, the membrane’s permeability to K+ is much higher
o Mechanically-gated channel- opens or closes in response to
than its permeability to Na+. Leak channels are found in nearly all
cells, including the dendrites, cell bodies, and axons of all types of mechanical stimulation in the form of vibration (such as sound waves),
neurons. touch, pressure, or tissue stretching. The force distorts the channel
from its resting position, opening the gate.
 Ex. those found in auditory receptors in the ears, in receptors
that monitor stretching of internal organs, and in touch
receptors and pressure receptors in the skin.
o Voltage-gated channel- opens in response to a change in membrane
potential (voltage). Voltage-gated channels participate in the
generation and conduction of action potentials in the axons of all types
of neurons.