ANP 1105 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Active Transport, Electrochemical Gradient, Axon Terminal

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Anatomy and Physiology
• Course: ANP 1105
• Professor: Balwant Tuana

Document Summary

Potassium ions are 10-20x higher in concentration inside the cell than outside the cell; Sodium ions are higher in concentration outside of the cell than inside the cell. Gradient means that one side in concentration is more than the other side in the concentration. Gradients are essential to maintain normal cell function, responsiveness, and volume. Maintenance of this gradient is challenged by: slow leakage of potassium and sodium along concentration gradients, stimulation of muscle and nerve cells. The sodium/potassium pump plays a very important role in nerve cell membranes. For 3 sodium ions pumped out of the cell, 2 potassium ions are pumped into the cell. A positive charge builds up outside the cell compared to inside the cell. The difference in charge between the outside and inside allows nerve cells to generate electrical impulses which lead to nerve impulses. In order to move the ions against their gradients, energy is required.