SPIKE POTENTIALS Meaning and
Definition
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Spike potentials, also known as action potentials, are electrical nerve impulses that occur in excitable cells, particularly neurons. They are characterized by a rapid and brief change in the electrical potential across the cell membrane.
During resting state, neurons maintain a negative electrical charge inside the cell relative to the outside. When a stimulus of sufficient intensity is received by the neuron, it may reach the threshold potential, triggering an action potential. The spike potential consists of a depolarization phase, where the membrane potential rapidly becomes more positive, followed by a repolarization phase, where the potential returns to its resting state.
The generation of spike potentials is reliant on the movement of ions across the cell membrane. When the depolarization phase is initiated, voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to rush into the cell, further depolarizing the membrane. This positive feedback mechanism continues until the peak potential is reached. Subsequently, voltage-gated potassium channels open, allowing potassium ions to leave the cell, leading to membrane repolarization.
Spike potentials play a crucial role in cell communication, enabling the transmission of information between neurons and the body's various systems. They allow for the propagation of signals along the axons of neurons, facilitating the transfer of sensory information, motor control, and the coordination of bodily functions. Disorders affecting spike potentials, such as epilepsy or peripheral neuropathies, can result in abnormal electrical activity, leading to disturbances in neural function.
Common Misspellings for SPIKE POTENTIALS
- apike potentials
- zpike potentials
- xpike potentials
- dpike potentials
- epike potentials
- wpike potentials
- soike potentials
- slike potentials
- s-ike potentials
- s0ike potentials
- spuke potentials
- spjke potentials
- spkke potentials
- spoke potentials
- sp9ke potentials
- sp8ke potentials
- spije potentials
- spime potentials
- spile potentials
- spioe potentials
Etymology of SPIKE POTENTIALS
The term "Spike Potentials" is derived from two different concepts.
Firstly, the word "spike" refers to a sharp, pointed object, such as a thorn or a nail. In neuroscience, a spike represents an action potential, which is an electrical signal generated by neurons to communicate with one another. When a neuron receives enough input, it fires an action potential or spike, which in turn triggers the release of neurotransmitters.
Secondly, the term "potentials" refers to the electrical potential, or voltage, across the membrane of a neuron. Neurons maintain a resting potential when they are not actively transmitting signals. However, when a neuron is stimulated and its membrane potential reaches a certain threshold, it generates an action potential.
Therefore, "Spike Potentials" refers to the electrical impulses generated by neurons called action potentials or spikes. These spikes are crucial for transmitting information within the nervous system.
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