GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Na+ enters the postsynaptic cell and causes the postsynaptic membrane to depolarize. This depolarization is called an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) and makes the postsynaptic neuron more likely to fire an action potential.

Detailed explanation-2: -Neuronal depolarization depends on the opening of ion channels in the neuronal membrane and the subsequent influx of sodium ions (Na+) and efflux of potassium ions (K+). The response of a neuron to ion channel receptor activation by either the natural ligand/neurotransmitter or a drug is rapid and brief.

Detailed explanation-3: -A stimulus first causes sodium channels to open. Because there are many more sodium ions on the outside, and the inside of the neuron is negative relative to the outside, sodium ions rush into the neuron. Remember, sodium has a positive charge, so the neuron becomes more positive and becomes depolarized.

Detailed explanation-4: -Depolarization occurs when a stimulus reaches a resting neuron. During the depolarization phase, the gated sodium ion channels on the neuron’s membrane suddenly open and allow sodium ions (Na+) present outside the membrane to rush into the cell.

Detailed explanation-5: -After a cell has been depolarized, it undergoes one final change in internal charge. Following depolarization, the voltage-gated sodium ion channels that had been open while the cell was undergoing depolarization close again. The increased positive charge within the cell now causes the potassium channels to open.