The Nerve Impulse
Objectives:
• Describe and explain how the resting
potential is established and maintained.
• Describe and explain how an action
potential is generated.
• Interpret graphs of the voltage changes
taking place during the generation and
transmission of an action potential.
, The Neurone Membrane
• This is a phospholipid
bilayer.
• It contains protein
channels for potassium
(K+) ions, and other
channels for sodium
(Na+) ions. These ion
channels are gated.
• It also contains a
Sodium/Potassium Pum
p
Objectives:
• Describe and explain how the resting
potential is established and maintained.
• Describe and explain how an action
potential is generated.
• Interpret graphs of the voltage changes
taking place during the generation and
transmission of an action potential.
, The Neurone Membrane
• This is a phospholipid
bilayer.
• It contains protein
channels for potassium
(K+) ions, and other
channels for sodium
(Na+) ions. These ion
channels are gated.
• It also contains a
Sodium/Potassium Pum
p
