Action Potentials

Definition

Action potentials are brief electrical impulses that travel along the axon of a neuron. They occur when a neuron is stimulated and reach a certain threshold, causing an all-or-nothing response.

Related terms

Neurotransmitters:

Chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons.

Resting Potential:

The state in which a neuron is not being stimulated and has a negative charge inside compared to outside.

Refractory Period:

A short period after an action potential where another action potential cannot be generated.