Outline how nerve impulses are transmitted along a nerve fibre.

1. Sodium (voltage-gated) channels open and Nadiffuse into neuron (down concentration gradient).

2. Inside of neuron becomes positive compared to the outside, so potential is reversed = depolarization.

3. Wave of depolarization moves down the membrane.

4. Potassium channels open and Kdiffuse out down the concentration gradient.

5. Inside becomes negative compared with outside, potential across membrane restored = repolarization.

6. Active transport K(into neuron) and Na(out of neuron) restores resting potential.

PW
Answered by Paulina W. Biology tutor

12118 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between myosis and mitosis?


How does the heart pump oxygen around the body?


Describe how a sperm cell is adapted to its role (4 marks).


A recessive allele causes condition X. A heterozygous man and homozygous recessive woman want to have a child. Use a punnet square to determine the probability that the child will have condition X.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning