BIOL 1107 Study Guide - Quiz Guide: Central Nervous System, Electrochemical Gradient, Squid Giant Axon
Document Summary
Key concepts: neurons are cells that transmit electrical signals used in communication. Their plasma membranes carry a voltage, called a membrane potential, due to differences in the concentrations of ions on the inner and outer surfaces. All cells are capable of generating a membrane potential. Membrane potential: imbalance in charge that then creates a voltage. Can move that voltage from point a to point b. Plasma membrane is capable of carrying and transmitting this voltage. Misconception: increase the magnitude of action potential when you go from picking up a remote or a desk. Actuality: increase in the frequency and recruiting more muscle fibers to complete the task. Ratio of fast to slow per muscle group was determined at conception (inherited: however you can further divide these by: Glycolytic vs. oxidative muscle fibers: glycolytic: uses glycogen. Larger because they give greater extensions because of endurance.
