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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 14d
Chapter 11, Problem 14d

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 if the statement is true or false: 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, correct it: If the statement had been false, you would need to clarify that depolarization specifically refers to the membrane potential becoming 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 change in the membrane potential of a cell, where the inside of the cell becomes less negative compared to the outside. This occurs when sodium ions (Na+) flow into the cell, reducing the voltage difference across the membrane. It is a critical process 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 plasma membrane, resulting from the distribution of ions inside and outside the cell. It is typically measured in millivolts (mV) and can vary based on ion permeability and concentration gradients. A resting membrane potential is usually negative, indicating that the inside of the cell is more negative than 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 neurons and the contraction of muscle fibers. Understanding action potentials is essential for grasping how signals are propagated in the nervous system.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Which of the following is not a method by which the effects of neurotransmitters are terminated?

a. Reuptake into the presynaptic neuron

b. Diffusion away from the synaptic cleft and uptake by glial cells

c. Movement back to the cell body by retrograde axonal transport

d. Degradation by enzymes in the synaptic cleft

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Textbook Question

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

An inhibitory postsynaptic potential causes the membrane potential of the postsynaptic neuron to approach threshold.

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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.

665
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Textbook Question

A ________ is characterized by multiple input neurons synapsing on one postsynaptic neuron.

a. Diverging circuit

b. Discharge zone

c. Facilitation zone

d. Converging circuit

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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.

A local potential is a change in membrane potential that conducts the long-distance signals of the nervous system.

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Textbook Question

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

Postsynaptic potentials may summate by spatial summation in which multiple neurons fire onto a single postsynaptic neuron.

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