Action potentials

Start with the main stages

The Action Potentials mind map is a useful starting point. It outlines action potentials as brief reversals of potential in the axonal membrane and includes stimulus, depolarization, repolarization and hyperpolarization. Follow its branches to see how these terms fit together before moving to the resources on ions and channels.

For background, the mind map on neurons and resting membrane potential covers unequal sodium and potassium concentrations, permeability and equilibrium potential. The slides on action potentials also discuss the movement of charged atoms into and out of cells. These resources offer different ways to approach the material: a map for relationships and slides for points to read through.

Practice with flashcards and quizzes

The flashcards on the ionic basis of neuronal action potentials ask about equilibrium potential, the Nernst equation and membrane permeability. Work through them after looking at the resting potential map, then return to the map if you want to review the connections. The flashcards on action potential stages ask about firing frequency and the ions involved in depolarization.

For another way to check your understanding, try the Neurons & Messages quiz. Afterward, return to a map or a flashcard topic you want to study again. Maps can help you organize related ideas, while flashcards give you prompts to answer.

Connect channels and action potentials

The Axon Initial Segment mind map brings together firing rate, voltage-dependent channels, ion selectivity and the all-or-nothing response. Another action potentials map includes sodium and potassium channels, myelination and length constant.

These resources sit within the Membrane Potential, Ion Channels and Action Potentials unit in Neuroscience. Read them alongside the resting potential material to connect the unit's membrane and channel ideas with action potential generation. Pick a resource that matches the idea you want to explore next.