NEETZoologyNeural Control and Coordination
What is the significance of the action potential in a neuron?
Options
- AIt determines the resting potential of the membrane.
- BIt helps maintain the ionic gradients across the resting membrane.
- CIt transmits the nerve impulse along the length of the axon.
- DIt determines the permeability of the membrane to different ions.
Correct answer
C. It transmits the nerve impulse along the length of the axon.
Step-by-step solution
The outer surface of the axonal membrane possesses a positive charge while its inner surface becomes negatively charged and therefore is polarised The sodium-potassium pump transports 3 Na⁺ ions outwards for 2 K⁺ ions into the cell. The rise in permeability to Na⁺ is short-lived and is followed by a rise in permeability to K⁺ . K⁺ diffuses outside the membrane, restoring the resting potential of the membrane.The action potential is generated in response to a stimulus and travels along the length of the axon, transm