action potential

What: "The space constant is a passive property of membranes. Although it influences the rate of propagation of the action potentials, it is an independent process. It is like the surface of a race track and the action potential is like the race car. If the surface is muddy, the car will go slow, if it is firm and paved, the same car will be able to go much faster."

Writer: John H. Byrne, Ph.D.

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Date: Apr 30 2013 9:58 AM

What: "the action potential is like a domino effect in that its all or nothing."

Writer: Not Stated

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Where: Reference Link Has Evaporated

Date: Apr 30 2013 10:00 AM

What: "The action potential is like a digital signal - it is either on or off."

Writer: Not Stated

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Date: Apr 30 2013 10:03 AM

What: "Imagine that the entry of Na+ during each action potential is like a wave coming over the bow of a boat making way in heavy seas. Like the continuous action of of the boat's bilge pump, the sodium-potassium works all the time to transport Na+ back across the membrane." From p.93 of "Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain"

Writer: Mark F. Bear et al.

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Date: Apr 30 2013 10:07 AM

What: Page 42 of the linked book. It is an all or nothing phenomena. Once it happens, the impulse doesn't stop until it gets to the synapses. This is somewhat like a bullet not stopping until it hits something.

Writer: Ellen E. Pastorino

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Date: Apr 30 2013 10:11 AM

What:

"Action potential conduction without myelin is like walking down the sidewalk in small steps, heel-to-toe, using every inch of the sidewalk to creep along. Conduction with myelin, is like skipping down the sidewalk. In myelinated axons, action potentials skip from node to node and this is called salutatory conduction."

Writer: Not stated

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Date: Dec 30 2013 7:08 PM