Membrane Potentials, Action Potentials and Synaptic Transmission

What the unit covers

The resources start with the cell membrane and work up to communication between neurons. You will find material on the resting potential, ion gradients, the Nernst potential, the action potential and how it travels along an axon. Other items cover the neuromuscular junction, neurotransmitters, receptors and synaptic plasticity.

Nearly all of it is written at university level, so it suits students who already have the basics and want to practise.

Where to begin

If the resting potential feels shaky, start with the mind map on the origins of the resting membrane potential, then the note called Resting Potential Note. Both explain why sodium sits mostly outside the cell and potassium inside.

Next, move to the action potential. The flowchart Action Potential Steps and the mind map Generation of an Action Potential set out the sequence. The note on the channels involved at each step of the action potential adds the detail. The mind maps on Sodium Channels and Potassium Channels fill in what each channel does.

Synapses and plasticity

Once you are comfortable with the action potential, look at Neurotransmitter release and Removal of neurotransmitter. The mind map Ionotropic receptors shows how transmitters act on the next cell. Then try Synaptic plasticity, Paired pulse facilitation and the notes on Induction of LTP and Expression of LTP, which cover how synapses change with activity.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a mind map first, then test yourself. The quiz Physiology III: Excitatory and Inhibitory Neurotransmission in the CNS asks fill-in-the-blank questions on ion concentrations. Practice Exam 2 tests the Na/K pump, nAChR channels at the endplate and conduction in myelinated axons. Chapter 6 focuses on depolarisation and threshold.

Where you get a question wrong, go back to the matching map or flashcard deck, such as Action Potentials or Ion Channels, and read that part again.

Where it fits

This unit belongs to the Nervous System and Senses strand of Physiology. Neighbouring items on reflexes, pain and sleep also appear here, so you can link the cell-level ideas to whole-body responses.

Teachers can pick out a map or quiz to share with a class. Choose one resource today and see how much you recall.