AP Psych Neural Communication Action Potentials
37 flashcards covering AP Psych Neural Communication Action Potentials for the AP-PSYCHOLOGY Unit 2: Biological Bases section.
Neural communication and action potentials are fundamental concepts in AP Psychology, particularly outlined in the College Board's AP Psychology Curriculum Framework. This topic explores how neurons transmit signals through electrical impulses, specifically action potentials, which are critical for understanding behavior and mental processes. It includes the mechanisms of depolarization and repolarization, as well as the role of neurotransmitters in synaptic transmission.
On practice exams, questions about neural communication often require students to identify the stages of action potentials or to explain the significance of myelination in speeding up neural transmission. A common pitfall is confusing the terms "action potential" and "resting potential," which can lead to incorrect answers. Additionally, students may struggle with questions that involve diagrams of neuron structures, so it's essential to familiarize oneself with these visuals.
A practical tip to keep in mind is that understanding the impact of neurotransmitter imbalances can enhance your grasp of psychological disorders.
Terms (37)
- 01
What is an action potential?
An action potential is a rapid, temporary change in the membrane potential of a neuron, resulting in the transmission of an electrical signal along the axon. It occurs when a neuron reaches a certain threshold of depolarization (College Board AP CED).
- 02
What is the threshold potential for an action potential to occur?
The threshold potential for an action potential is typically around -55 mV, which must be reached for the neuron to fire (College Board AP CED).
- 03
What ion primarily causes depolarization during an action potential?
Sodium ions (Na+) primarily cause depolarization during an action potential as they rush into the neuron through voltage-gated sodium channels (College Board AP CED).
- 04
What is the role of potassium ions during an action potential?
Potassium ions (K+) help to repolarize the neuron by flowing out of the cell after depolarization, returning the membrane potential to its resting state (College Board AP CED).
- 05
What occurs during the refractory period of a neuron?
During the refractory period, a neuron is less responsive to stimuli and cannot fire another action potential until it has returned to its resting state (College Board AP CED).
- 06
How does myelination affect action potentials?
Myelination increases the speed of action potentials through saltatory conduction, where the impulse jumps between nodes of Ranvier (College Board AP CED).
- 07
What is the all-or-nothing principle in action potentials?
The all-or-nothing principle states that once the threshold is reached, an action potential will occur fully; there are no partial action potentials (College Board AP CED).
- 08
What is the role of neurotransmitters in neural communication?
Neurotransmitters are chemicals released at synapses that transmit signals between neurons, influencing whether the receiving neuron will generate an action potential (College Board AP CED).
- 09
How often must neurons be stimulated to maintain action potentials?
Neurons must be stimulated to threshold potential for action potentials to occur; there is no specific frequency mandated, but continuous stimulation can lead to consistent firing (College Board AP CED).
- 10
What is depolarization in the context of action potentials?
Depolarization is the process by which the membrane potential becomes less negative (more positive) due to the influx of sodium ions during an action potential (College Board AP CED).
- 11
What happens during repolarization of an action potential?
During repolarization, potassium ions exit the neuron, restoring the negative internal charge and returning the membrane potential toward the resting state (College Board AP CED).
- 12
What is hyperpolarization in relation to action potentials?
Hyperpolarization occurs when the membrane potential becomes more negative than the resting potential, making it less likely for an action potential to occur (College Board AP CED).
- 13
How does the diameter of an axon affect action potential conduction speed?
Larger diameter axons conduct action potentials faster due to reduced resistance to ion flow (College Board AP CED).
- 14
What is the significance of the nodes of Ranvier?
Nodes of Ranvier are gaps in the myelin sheath where action potentials are regenerated, allowing for faster transmission through saltatory conduction (College Board AP CED).
- 15
What is the role of calcium ions in neurotransmitter release?
Calcium ions (Ca2+) trigger the release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft when an action potential reaches the axon terminal (College Board AP CED).
- 16
What is the effect of a neurotransmitter binding to a receptor?
When a neurotransmitter binds to a receptor, it can cause either excitatory or inhibitory postsynaptic potentials, influencing the likelihood of an action potential in the receiving neuron (College Board AP CED).
- 17
What is the function of voltage-gated ion channels in action potentials?
Voltage-gated ion channels open in response to changes in membrane potential, allowing ions to flow and initiate the action potential (College Board AP CED).
- 18
What is the difference between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters?
Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the likelihood of an action potential, while inhibitory neurotransmitters decrease that likelihood (College Board AP CED).
- 19
How does the synaptic cleft function in neural communication?
The synaptic cleft is the space between neurons where neurotransmitters are released and bind to receptors, facilitating communication between neurons (College Board AP CED).
- 20
What is the role of the sodium-potassium pump in maintaining resting potential?
The sodium-potassium pump actively transports sodium ions out of the neuron and potassium ions into the neuron, maintaining the resting membrane potential (College Board AP CED).
- 21
What is the process of synaptic transmission?
Synaptic transmission involves the release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron, diffusion across the synaptic cleft, and binding to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron (College Board AP CED).
- 22
What is the significance of the resting membrane potential?
The resting membrane potential is crucial for the readiness of a neuron to fire an action potential, typically around -70 mV (College Board AP CED).
- 23
What occurs during the depolarization phase of an action potential?
During the depolarization phase, voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to rush into the neuron, causing the membrane potential to become more positive (College Board AP CED).
- 24
What is the role of neurotransmitter reuptake?
Neurotransmitter reuptake is the process by which neurotransmitters are absorbed back into the presynaptic neuron, terminating their action in the synaptic cleft (College Board AP CED).
- 25
How do agonists and antagonists affect neurotransmitter action?
Agonists enhance neurotransmitter action, while antagonists inhibit it, affecting the likelihood of an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron (College Board AP CED).
- 26
What is the significance of action potential frequency?
The frequency of action potentials encodes the strength of a stimulus; higher frequency indicates a stronger stimulus (College Board AP CED).
- 27
What happens during the absolute refractory period?
During the absolute refractory period, a neuron cannot fire another action potential regardless of the strength of the stimulus (College Board AP CED).
- 28
What is the role of the myelin sheath?
The myelin sheath insulates axons, speeding up the conduction of action potentials through saltatory conduction (College Board AP CED).
- 29
What is the effect of temperature on action potential conduction?
Higher temperatures can increase the speed of action potential conduction, while lower temperatures can slow it down (College Board AP CED).
- 30
What is the function of glial cells in relation to neurons?
Glial cells support and protect neurons, providing structural support, insulation, and assisting in neurotransmitter recycling (College Board AP CED).
- 31
What occurs at the axon terminal during an action potential?
At the axon terminal, the action potential triggers the opening of calcium channels, leading to the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft (College Board AP CED).
- 32
What is the role of ligand-gated ion channels in synaptic transmission?
Ligand-gated ion channels open in response to neurotransmitter binding, allowing ions to flow and generating postsynaptic potentials (College Board AP CED).
- 33
What is the significance of the relative refractory period?
During the relative refractory period, a stronger-than-normal stimulus is needed to elicit an action potential, as the neuron is returning to resting potential (College Board AP CED).
- 34
How do inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) affect action potentials?
Inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) decrease the likelihood of an action potential occurring by making the inside of the neuron more negative (College Board AP CED).
- 35
What is the role of the axon hillock in action potentials?
The axon hillock is the site where action potentials are initiated; it integrates incoming signals and determines if the threshold is reached (College Board AP CED).
- 36
What happens during the falling phase of an action potential?
During the falling phase, voltage-gated sodium channels close and voltage-gated potassium channels open, allowing potassium to exit the neuron (College Board AP CED).
- 37
What is the effect of a strong stimulus on action potentials?
A strong stimulus increases the frequency of action potentials but does not change their size; action potentials are all-or-nothing (College Board AP CED).