Ion acccount in neuron after firing

  • Thread starter sweet springs
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    Ion Neuron
In summary, the conversation discusses the process of how neuron ion concentrations return to their original state after firing action potentials. It is estimated that it takes multiple action potentials to deplete ion concentrations enough to change the shape of the action potentials. The sodium-potassium pump is responsible for resetting the ion concentrations, and there are three channels at play - potassium, sodium, and potassium-sodium. While there are other channels involved, the general understanding is correct.
  • #1
sweet springs
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Hi.

I am learning how neuron transmit current. I am wondering after firing sodium ions are rich and potassium ions are poor in neuron cell. How ion concentrations come back to the original states before firing?

Thanks for your help in advance.
 
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  • #2
http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072495855/student_view0/chapter2/animation__how_the_sodium_potassium_pump_works.html
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/biology/nakpump.html

It takes many action potentials to deplete ion concentrations to the extent the action potentials change their shape. This can be estimated from experimets in which the sodium-potassium pump is poisonsed, and the cell made to fire action potentials.
 
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  • #3
Thanks atvy.
Your animations together with http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072495855/student_view0/chapter14/animation__the_nerve_impulse.html
mean that there are three channels so to say potassium, sodium and potassium-sodium. The first two are players of firing and the last one reset the neuron ion concentration. Do I understand right?
Regards.
 
  • #4
sweet springs said:
Thanks atvy.
Your animations together with http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072495855/student_view0/chapter14/animation__the_nerve_impulse.html
mean that there are three channels so to say potassium, sodium and potassium-sodium. The first two are players of firing and the last one reset the neuron ion concentration. Do I understand right?
Regards.

Yes. There are many other channels that vary from neuron to neuron, but you have the general picture right.
 
  • #5
atvy, thanks a lot.
 

1. What is the purpose of ion channels in neurons?

The main purpose of ion channels in neurons is to regulate the movement of ions, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, into and out of the cell. This is crucial for generating electrical signals and transmitting information in the nervous system.

2. How does an ion account change in a neuron after firing?

After firing, there is a rapid influx of positively charged ions, such as sodium, into the neuron, followed by a slower release of positively charged ions, such as potassium, out of the neuron. This leads to a temporary change in the ion account, also known as an action potential, which allows for the transmission of electrical signals along the neuron.

3. What factors can affect the ion account in a neuron?

Several factors can affect the ion account in a neuron, including the activity of ion channels, the concentration of ions inside and outside the cell, and the presence of certain chemicals or drugs that can alter the function of ion channels.

4. How do ion channels contribute to the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

The resting membrane potential of a neuron is established by a balance of positively and negatively charged ions inside and outside the cell. Ion channels play a crucial role in maintaining this balance by controlling the movement of ions and helping to establish a stable resting potential.

5. What happens to the ion account in a neuron during an action potential?

During an action potential, there is a rapid change in the ion account of a neuron, with an influx of positively charged ions, such as sodium, followed by a release of positively charged ions, such as potassium. This change in ion account creates an electrical signal that travels along the neuron and allows for the transmission of information in the nervous system.

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