Mini Test – Action Potential (26 points)
Name:
Date:
Period
Describe how an action potential results, travels along the length of the nerve and finally how it is
transferred to the effector (include describing the following:)
1. Membrane potential – charge (inside (1)/ outside (1) / major ions-molecules involved (3) /
potential difference resting for both major ions (2) – if membrane freely permeable – both ions (2)/
maintaining potential difference (2)
Inside
Outside
Major ions
Potential difference
Resting (ion type and voltage must be stated) –
Resting (ion type and voltage must be stated)Freely permeable (ion type and voltage must be stated)Freely permeable (ion type and voltage must be stated)Mechanism to maintain potential difference.
2. Describe the graded potential – (two other triggering events (2) voltage change (1) / how far
it goes (1) / direction (1))
Triggering events – example chemical
Voltage change
Distance travels
Direction
3. Describe the action potential and its travel down nerve fiber(triggering voltage (1)/
direction (1) / travel speed (nerve size, myelin or non myelin) (3)
triggering voltage
direction
travel speed
4. Describe the movement from presynaptic to postsynaptic neuron. (use Ach as the
neurotransmitter). Action potential arrives (1)/ ion movement type and direction (2) / release of
Ach (1)/ stimulation of postsynaptic neuron (1)
action potential arrives
ion movement
release of Ach
stimulation of postsynaptic neuron