INFOGRAPHIC 29.4 ELECTRICAL SIGNALS ARE TRANSMITTED ALONG AXONS
Neurons conduct electrical signals called action potentials, which are generated as ions flow across the cell membrane. When a neuron “fires”, sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions enter and leave the axon in a characteristic pattern, creating an action potential. In an axon the firing of an action potential triggers the firing of another farther down the axon. In this way, signals pass along the axon.
Neurons conduct electrical signals called action potentials, which are generated as ions flow across the cell membrane. When a neuron “fires”, sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions enter and leave the axon in a characteristic pattern, creating an action potential. In an axon the firing of an action potential triggers the firing of another farther down the axon. In this way, signals pass along the axon.
