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

12355 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

what is the difference between diffusion and active transport?


Describe the process of diffusion with an example.


Describe how the action of the mouth, oesophagus and stomach contributes towards the digestion of food? (6 Marks)


Name two features of a plant cell that are not found in animal cells


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning