Inactivation gate

Definition

An inactivation gate is a component of voltage-gated sodium channels in neurons that closes shortly after the channel opens during an action potential, temporarily preventing the flow of sodium ions into the neuron. This mechanism helps to restore the resting state of the neuron after depolarization.

Related terms

Action Potential: A rapid rise and subsequent fall in membrane potential across a neuron's cell membrane due to the movement of ions in and out of the neuron.

Depolarization: The process by which a neuron's membrane potential becomes more positive, moving away from its resting membrane potential.

Voltage: gated Sodium Channels - Protein channels in the plasma membrane of neurons that open or close in response to changes in membrane potential, allowing sodium ions to enter or exit the cell