Dentistry physiology of nerve

and muscle
lecture 8
prof.dr.heba shawky
 Action Potential
Definition of an “action potential”: It is the rapid change in membrane
potential following stimulation of the nerve by a threshold stimulus. It
results from sequential change in membrane permeability for Na+ and
K+.
Recording A.P.:
A.P. is recorded using two microelectrodes (one inside and the other
outside the nerve fiber), connected to a cathode ray oscilloscope
Shape and phases of A.P.:
1-Latent period: An isoelectric interval which represents the time
taken by the A.P. to travel along the axon from the stimulating to the
recording electrode.
-Its duration depends on the distance between the two electrodes
and the speed of conduction in the nerve fiber.
2-Ascending Limb: (Depolarization)
-Depolarization starts slowly (membrane potential decreases from -90 to
-65 mv).
-Then becomes rapid once it reaches -65mv (the Firing Level).
-It continues until it reaches and overshoots the isopotential (zero
point) and stops when it reaches +35 (reversal of polarity).
3. Descending Limb: (Repolarization)
Repolarization starts rapidly until it is 70% complete then slows down
until it reaches RMP.
4. Hyperpolarization:
- The membrane potential then overshoots slightly in the opposite
direction to form a small but prolonged hyperpolarization.
-Thereafter, the RMP is reached gradually.
Duration of A.P.:
The sharp rise and rapid fall of the tracing on
cathode ray oscilloscope is called "Spike", and it lasts
about 2 msec. While the hyperpolarization lasts
about 35-40 msec.
Ionic Basis of A.P.:
Depolarization is caused by Na+ inflow while repolarization is
caused by K+ outflow through two types of voltage – gated ion
channels
1- Voltage – gated Na+ channel: having 2 gates; an outer
activation gate and an inner inactivation gate.
2- Voltage – gated K+ channel: with only one activation gate.
Once the nerve is stimulated, the gates move in a sequential
manner as follows:
a- The outer Na+ gates open, activating the Na+ channel
b- The inner Na+ gates close, inactivating the Na+ channel
b- The K gates open, activating the K+ channel
Successive movement of gates is essential for production of A.P.
1-During Depolarization:
The stimulus causes initial depolarization, which cause opening of
activation gates on some of the Na + channels, allowing Na+ to enter
the nerve fiber and causing further depolarization.
Depolarization passes in two stages:
a -Slow stage from -90 mv to -65 mv: The flow of Na+ into the nerve
fiber causes the membrane to depolarize further,
which causes more activation gates to open and allows more Na+ to
enter the cell.
This vicious circle process will continue until all the Na channels have
become totally activated (opened).
This occurs at about -65mv, which is called the firing level or threshold
for stimulation.
 b-Rapid stage from -65 to +35mv:
Opening of all Na channels will cause Na+ ions to rush into the fiber
causing the rapid rate of depolarization.
Then, within a fraction of a millisecond inactivation of the Na+
channels starts and is completed when membrane potential reaches
+35mv.
However, the gates remain in this state(inactivated) for few
milliseconds before returning to the resting state.

In addition, during the overshoot, the membrane potential is reversed

and this limits Na+ influx, terminates depolarization and initiates
repolarization.
 2-During Repolarization:
-Inactivation of the Na+ channels
-Activation of K+ channels produce repolarization.
3-Hyperpolarization: (undershoot)
Caused by the slow closing of the K+ channels.
N.B:
◼ Na+ and K+ gradients are re-established after action potential by Na+-K+
pump.
◼ It should be noted that, only a very minute fraction of Na+ and K+ ions are
sharing in each action potential in relation to their total concentration.
◼ An action potential will not occur until depolarization reaches firing level.