figure 7-
Ions and the firing of neurons
Neurons relay messages in the form of electrical impulses that travel down the axon toward the nerve endings. As an impulse travels along the axon, sodium ions (Na+), on the outside of the neuron’s membrane, flow inside, causing the impulse to continue down the axon. Once sodium ions flow in, potassium ions (K+) flow out, returning the membrane’s electrical balance to its resting state, ready for the arrival of a new impulse.
Ions and the firing of neurons
Neurons relay messages in the form of electrical impulses that travel down the axon toward the nerve endings. As an impulse travels along the axon, sodium ions (Na+), on the outside of the neuron’s membrane, flow inside, causing the impulse to continue down the axon. Once sodium ions flow in, potassium ions (K+) flow out, returning the membrane’s electrical balance to its resting state, ready for the arrival of a new impulse.