This essay will describe the electrochemical processes that allow an Action potential to occur in a neuron. This will be achieved by firstly, defining the purpose of neurons in the body along with a description of the components within a neuron and how they enable information to be passed through the cell membrane and on to other neurons. Secondly, the resting potential of a neuron will be explored with relation to the concept of selective permeability and the purpose of the Sodium - Potassium pump. Thirdly, the molecular basis of the Action Potential will be explained including a description of hyper polarisation, depolarisation and the purpose of the refractory period. Fourthly, a description of how a signal moves through the components of the neuron will be given as well
as an overview of how the information is then transferred to other cells. Lastly, an account of specific problems that can interfere with the production of an Action Potential and the transmitting of......
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Approximate Word Count: 2560
Approximate Pages: 10 (260 words per double-spaced page) |