As the membrane reaches the peak of the action potential, what brings the membrane down to the original resting potential?

Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap Course List)
9th Edition
ISBN:9781285866932
Author:Lauralee Sherwood
Publisher:Lauralee Sherwood
Chapter3: The Plasma Membrane And Membrane Potential
Section: Chapter Questions
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As the membrane reaches the peak of the action potential, what brings the membrane down to the original resting potential?

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Step 1

When the resting neuron receives a stimulus that is beyond the threshold, It reaches the peak of action potential +50mV. Neuronal action potential has different phases as follows: resting, depolarization, overshoot, peak, repolarization, and hyperpolarization. When the membrane receives threshold stimulus Na+ ions enter into the cell. Depolarization, in turn, causes Na+ channels to open which leads to more influx of Na+ ions.

Step 2

At peak of action potential voltage-gated Na+ channels begins to close rapidly. Voltage-gated K+ channels become activated by depolarization. At depolarization, voltage-gated K+ channels open and allow potassium(K+ions) to leaves the cell and hence result in the original resting potential. This efflux of potassium ions causes repolarization back to the resting potential.

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