Action Potential Terms and Definitions, Quizzes of Psychology

Download Action Potential Terms and Definitions and more Quizzes Psychology in PDF only on Docsity! TERM 1 Rising Phase DEFINITION 1 the first part of an action potential, characterized by a rapid depolarization of the membrane. TERM 2 Overshoot DEFINITION 2 the part of an action potential when the membrane potential is more positive than 0 mV. TERM 3 Falling Phase DEFINITION 3 the part of an action potential characterized by a rapid fall of membrane potential from positive to negative. TERM 4 Undershoot DEFINITION 4 the part of an action potential when the membrane potential is more negative than at rest; also called after- hyperpolarization. TERM 5 After-Hyperpolarization DEFINITION 5 the hyperpolarization that follows strong depolarization of the membrane; the last part of an action potential, also called undershoot. TERM 6 Threshold DEFINITION 6 a level of depolarization sufficient to trigger an action potential. TERM 7 Absolute Refractory Period DEFINITION 7 the period of time measured from the onset of an action potential, during which another action potential cannot be triggered. TERM 8 Relative Refractory Period DEFINITION 8 the period of time following an action potential during which more depolarizing current than usual is required to achieve threshold. TERM 9 Voltage Clamp DEFINITION 9 a device that enables an investigator to hold the membrane potential constant while transmembrane currents are measured. TERM 10 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel DEFINITION 10 a membrane protein forming a pore that is permeable to Na+ ions and gated y depolarization of the membrane.