Transmission of nerve impulses relies on the concentrations of ______ in the neuron.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Transmission of nerve impulses relies on the concentrations of sodium and potassium in the neuron. This is because nerve impulses are caused by a change in the relative concentrations of these ions, known as an action potential. When the neuron is at rest, there are more sodium ions outside the cell membrane and more potassium ions inside. When a signal reaches the neuron, channels in the membrane allow sodium ions to rush into the cell, causing a positive charge inside. This triggers the release of potassium ions, which then restore the negative charge inside the neuron. This process allows the nerve impulse to be transmitted along the length of the neuron.

Transmission of Nerve Impulses Relies on the Concentrations of ______