Action Potential - Psychology Definition of the Week

Definition: An action potential occurs during the "firing" of a neuron. During this process, neural membrane opens and positively charged ions to rush inside the cell while negatively charged ions flow out. As a result, there is a rapid increase in the positive charge of the nerve fiber. When the charge reaches +40 mv, the impulse is propagated down the nerve fiber. This electrical impulse is carried down the nerve through a series of action potentials... Read more

Learn More About Neurons

• What Is a Neuron?
• The Structure of a Neuron

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