Electrical Signals In Neurons

When talking about electrical signals in neurons we are referring to action potentials that transmit information from one neuron to another.

Neurons are said to be electrically excitable since upon sensing factors from the surrounding environment, excitability helps in providing impulses. There are 2 types of electrical signals in neurons:

GRADED POTENTIALS – these electrical signals, which happen when a stimulus causes ligand-gated or mechanically-gated channels to open or close in an excitable cell’s plasma membrane, are active only over short distances within the body. Such a graded potential is featured as a small deviation from the membrane potential, making it either more polarised (hyperpolarising graded potential) or less polarised (depolarising graded potential).

ACTION POTENTIALS – these electrical signals are active for both short and long distances within the body. During action potentials, 2 types of voltage-gated channels open and close: Na+ channels open and let Na+ rush in the cell, causing depolarisation, while K+ channels open, causing K+ to flow out, causing repolarisation.

Both graded potentials and action potentials are produced thanks to the plasma membrane’s 2 main features:

• Ion Channels
• Resting Membrane Potential

Impulse Generation

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Claire

Claire Galea is a mum of three currently in her final year following a Degree in Nursing at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, as a mature student.

Claire is keen about public education on health-related subjects as well as holistic patient-centered care. She is also passionate about spreading awareness on the negative effects that domestic abuse leaves on its victims’ mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing.

Claire aspires to continue studying following completion of her Nursing Degree, because she truly believes in lifelong education.

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Author: Claire

Claire Galea is a mum of three currently in her final year following a Degree in Nursing at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, as a mature student. Claire is keen about public education on health-related subjects as well as holistic patient-centered care. She is also passionate about spreading awareness on the negative effects that domestic abuse leaves on its victims’ mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing. Claire aspires to continue studying following completion of her Nursing Degree, because she truly believes in lifelong education. View all posts by Claire