The axon terminals of a neuron form the presynaptic neuronal membrane. These structures contain synaptic vesicles that store neurotransmitters for release at the synapse.
The cell membrane of a neuron is called the "neuronal membrane" or "plasma membrane." It separates the interior of the neuron from the external environment and helps regulate the movement of ions and molecules in and out of the cell.
If the voltage across a neuronal membrane is set to -20 mV, this would be closer to the threshold potential for neuron firing, leading to an increased likelihood of the neuron generating an action potential. At this level, the neuron is closer to depolarization and may be more excitable compared to when the membrane potential is at resting potential.
The opening of sodium voltage-gated channels in the neuronal membrane is caused by changes in the electrical charge across the membrane, known as membrane potential. When the membrane potential reaches a certain threshold, the channels open, allowing sodium ions to flow into the neuron and generate an action potential.
During action potential transmission, the signal is carried along the neuronal membrane by the movement of ions such as sodium and potassium across the membrane. This movement creates changes in the membrane potential, allowing the signal to travel down the length of the neuron.
The neuronal membrane also has ion channels for other ions besides potassium, such as sodium or chloride, that can influence the resting membrane potential. These other ions contribute to the overall equilibrium potential of the neuron, which affects its resting membrane potential. Additionally, the activity of Na+/K+ pumps helps establish and maintain the resting membrane potential, contributing to the slight difference from the potassium equilibrium potential.
Axon is the part of a neuron that conducts nerve impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or effector cells. It is a long, slender projection that can vary in length depending on the neuron's location and function.
neuron
Hyperpolarization occurs in neuronal cells when the cell's membrane potential becomes more negative than its resting state. This happens because of an increase in the outflow of potassium ions or an influx of chloride ions, making it harder for the neuron to generate an action potential.
Blocking the chemically gated sodium channel in the postsynaptic membrane would prevent sodium ions from entering the neuron, hindering depolarization and transmission of the signal. This would effectively inhibit the neuron from responding to neurotransmitters released by the presynaptic neuron, leading to a disruption in neuronal communication and a potential loss of function in the neural circuit.
Membrane receptors at a synapse are ligand-gated ion channels that open and allow sodium ions to flow into the neuron upon binding of the neurotransmitter ligand to generate an action potential in the neuron.
Hyperpolarization causes a spike in neuronal activity because it increases the difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of the neuron, making it more likely for the neuron to generate an action potential and transmit signals.