MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -In its wake, the action potential leaves the Na+ channels inactivated and K+ channels activated for a brief time. These transitory changes make it harder for the axon to produce subsequent action potentials during this interval, which is called the refractory period.

Detailed explanation-2: -Repolarization-brings the cell back to resting potential. The inactivation gates of the sodium channels close, stopping the inward rush of positive ions. At the same time, the potassium channels open.

Detailed explanation-3: -The resting membrane potential of a neuron is about-70 mV (mV=millivolt)-this means that the inside of the neuron is 70 mV less than the outside. At rest, there are relatively more sodium ions outside the neuron and more potassium ions inside that neuron.

Detailed explanation-4: -What happens when a neuron is at rest? In the resting state, there is no signal passing through the neuron. However, even in this state, the neuron is electrically active. Because of how ions are moving across the cell membrane, the inside of the neuron is more negative than the fluid that surrounds it.