Action Potential-Nervous

System

MIRITI M.D
KMTC LECTURE
SERIES
 Introduction

Neurons communicate with

each other via electrical
signals known as action
potentials. They are brief
changes in due to the flow of
certain ions into and out of
the neuron.
 RESTING MEMBRANE POTENTIAL

The resting membrane potential of cells varies

depending on the cell type.
For neurones, this typically sits between -50 and -
75mV. This value depends on the types of ion
channels that are open and the concentrations of
different ions in the intracellular and extracellular
fluids during the resting state.
In neurones, K+ and organic anions are typically
found at a higher concentration within the cell than
outside, whereas Na+ and Cl- are typically found in
higher concentrations outside the cell.
This difference in concentrations provides a
concentration gradient for ions to flow down
when their respective channels are open. Hence, K+
ions would be moving out of the cells, while Na+ and
Cl- ions would be moving into the cell. At the resting
state, the cell is mostly permeable to K+, as such this
exerts the greatest influence on the resting
membrane potential out of the three ions.
These concentration gradients are maintained by the
action of the Na+/K+ ATPase via active transport,
which in turn maintains the membrane potential.
 Generation of Action Potentials

 During the resting state, the membrane potential arises

because the membrane is predominantly permeable to K+. An
action potential begins at the axon hillock as a result
of depolarisation. During depolarisation, voltage-gated
sodium ion channels open due to an electrical stimulus. As
the sodium ions rush back into the cell, their positive charge
changes potential inside the cell from negative to more
positive.
 If a threshold potential is reached, then an action potential
is produced. Action potentials will only occur if a threshold is
reached. Additionally, if the threshold is reached, then the
response of the same magnitude is always elicited,
irrespective of the strength of the stimulus. Hence, action
potentials can be described as “all-or-nothing“.
Once the cell has been depolarised the voltage-gated
sodium ion channels begin to close. The positive potential
inside the cell causes voltage-gated potassium
channels to open and K+ ions now move down their
electrochemical gradient out of the cell. As the K+
moves out of the cell, the membrane potential becomes
more negative and starts to approach the resting potential.
Typically, repolarisation overshoots the resting membrane
potential, making the membrane potential more
negative. This is known as hyperpolarisation. It is
important to note that the Na+/K+ ATPase is not involved
in the repolarisation process following an action potential.
 The Refractory Period

Every action potential is followed by a refractory

period. This period can be further divided into:
The Absolute Refractory Period which occurs once
the sodium channels close after an AP. Sodium channels
then enter an inactive state during which they cannot
be reopened, regardless of the membrane potential.
The Relative Refractory Period which occurs
when sodium channels slowly come out of the
inactivation. During this period the neurone can be
excited with stimuli stronger than the one normally
needed to initiate an AP.
 Propagation of Action Potentials

Action potentials are propagated along the axons of

neurones via local currents. Local currents induce
depolarisation of the adjacent axonal membrane.
Where this reaches a threshold, further action
potentials are generated. The areas of the membrane
that have recently depolarised will not depolarise
again due to the refractory period – meaning that the
action potential will only travel in one direction.
These local currents would eventually decrease in
charge until a threshold is no longer reached. The
distance that this would take depends on the
membrane capacitance and resistance:
Membrane Capacitance – The ability to store
charge. The lower capacitance results in a greater
distance before the threshold is no longer reached.
Membrane Resistance – This depends on the
number of ion channels open. The lower the number
of channels open, the greater membrane resistance
is. A higher membrane resistance results in a greater
distance before the threshold is no longer reached.
TBT. GLORY TO GOD!