action potential

action potential
action potential n a momentary reversal in the potential difference across a plasma membrane (as of a nerve cell or muscle fiber) that occurs when a cell has been activated by a stimulus called also spike potential compare RESTING POTENTIAL see afterpotential, generator potential, prepotential

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the change in voltage that occurs across the membrane of a nerve or muscle cell when a nerve impulse is triggered. It is due to the passage of charged particles across the membrane (see depolarization) and is an observable manifestation of the passage of an impulse.

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(AP) the electrical activity developed in a muscle or nerve cell during activity. It may be elicited by electrical, chemical, or mechanical stimulation, by temperature change, and so on, and results from an influx of sodium ions so that the membrane potential becomes positive. See also all or none and discharge (def. 4).

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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  • Action potential — In physiology, an action potential is a short lasting event in which the electrical membrane potential of a cell rapidly rises and falls, following a consistent trajectory. Action potentials occur in several types of animal cells, called… …   Wikipedia

  • action potential — Physiol. the change in electrical potential that occurs between the inside and outside of a nerve or muscle fiber when it is stimulated, serving to transmit nerve signals. Cf. nerve impulse. [1925 30] * * * Brief (about one thousandth of a… …   Universalium

  • action potential — veiksmo potencialas statusas T sritis Standartizacija ir metrologija apibrėžtis Elektrinis impulsas, atsirandantis sudirgintos ląstelės išorinėje membranoje. atitikmenys: angl. action potential vok. Aktionspotential, n rus. пиковый потенциал, m;… …   Penkiakalbis aiškinamasis metrologijos terminų žodynas

  • action potential — veiksmo potencialas statusas T sritis fizika atitikmenys: angl. action potential vok. Aktionspotential, n rus. пиковый потенциал, m; потенциал действия, m pranc. potentiel d’action, m …   Fizikos terminų žodynas

  • action potential — veiksmo potencialas statusas T sritis chemija apibrėžtis Elektrinis impulsas, atsirandantis sudirgintos ląstelės išorinėje membranoje. atitikmenys: angl. action potential rus. потенциал действия …   Chemijos terminų aiškinamasis žodynas

  • action potential — An electrical pulse that passes along the membranes of excitable cells, such as neurons, muscle cells, fertilized eggs and certain plant cells. The precise shape of action potentials varies, but action potentials always involve a large… …   Dictionary of molecular biology

  • action potential — noun Date: 1926 a momentary reversal in electrical potential across a plasma membrane (as of a nerve cell or muscle fiber) that occurs when a cell has been activated by a stimulus …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • action potential — A temporary change in potential that occurs across the surface membrane of a muscle or nerve cell following stimulation …   Dictionary of invertebrate zoology

  • action potential — noun A short term change in the electrical potential that travels along a cell such as a nerve or muscle fiber …   Wiktionary

  • action potential — noun Physiology the change in electrical potential associated with the passage of an impulse along the membrane of a muscle cell or nerve cell …   English new terms dictionary

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