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Ch. 11 Introduction to the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue
Amerman - Human Anatomy & Physiology 2nd Edition
Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksAmerman 2nd EditionCh. 11 Introduction to the Nervous System and Nervous TissueProblem 6d
Chapter 11, Problem 6d

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
A depolarization is a change in membrane potential that makes the potential less negative.

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1
Understand the concept of depolarization: Depolarization refers to a change in the membrane potential of a cell, typically a neuron or muscle cell, where the inside of the cell becomes less negative compared to the resting membrane potential.
Recall the resting membrane potential: The resting membrane potential is usually around -70 mV in neurons, meaning the inside of the cell is more negative relative to the outside.
Analyze the statement: A depolarization occurs when the membrane potential becomes less negative (e.g., moving from -70 mV to -60 mV or even positive values). This is caused by the influx of positively charged ions, such as sodium (Na⁺), into the cell.
Determine the truth of the statement: Based on the definition of depolarization, the statement 'A depolarization is a change in membrane potential that makes the potential less negative' is true.
If the statement were false, the correction would involve clarifying that depolarization makes the membrane potential less negative, not more negative (which would be hyperpolarization).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Depolarization

Depolarization refers to a decrease in the membrane potential of a cell, making it less negative compared to the resting potential. This process occurs when sodium ions (Na+) flow into the cell, reducing the charge difference across the membrane. It is a critical phase in the generation of action potentials in neurons and muscle cells.
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Cardiac Action Potentials Example 1

Membrane Potential

Membrane potential is the electrical potential difference across a cell's membrane, primarily determined by the distribution of ions inside and outside the cell. It is measured in millivolts (mV) and can vary based on ion permeability and active transport mechanisms. The resting membrane potential is typically around -70 mV in neurons, indicating a negative charge inside relative to the outside.
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Action Potential

An action potential is a rapid, temporary change in membrane potential that occurs when a neuron or muscle cell is stimulated. It involves a sequence of depolarization followed by repolarization, allowing for the transmission of electrical signals along the cell. This process is essential for communication within the nervous system and for muscle contraction.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The concentration of Na+ is highest in the cytosol, and the concentration of K+ is highest in the extracellular fluid.

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Textbook Question

The ________ is the period of time during which it is impossible to stimulate a neuron to have an action potential, whereas the ________ is the period of time during which a larger-than-normal stimulus is required to elicit an action potential.

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Textbook Question

Describe the three components of the neuromuscular junction.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The Na+/K+ pumps and gated channels maintain the Na+ and K+ gradients necessary for action potentials to occur.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The resting membrane potential refers to the voltage difference across the membranes of excitable cells at rest.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following statements best describes saltatory conduction?

a. Every section of the axolemma must be depolarized and triggered to generate an action potential.

b. The internodes must generate action potentials.

c. The dendrites and cell bodies propagate EPSPs toward the trigger zone.

d. Only the nodes of Ranvier must generate action potentials.

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