If Na⁺ and K⁺ Move in Opposite Directions Through the Acetylcholine

question 12

Essay

If Na⁺ and K⁺ move in opposite directions through the acetylcholine receptor (which has similar permeability to both ions) when it is bound to acetylcholine, why is there an overall depolarization instead of no change in the membrane potential?

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Definitions:

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the tissues of the body.

Vasodilate

The expansion of blood vessels that lowers blood pressure and enhances the flow of blood.

Sarcoplasmic Reticulum

A specialized type of smooth endoplasmic reticulum found in muscle cells, which stores and releases calcium ions to trigger muscle contraction.

Skeletal Muscle

A type of striated muscle tissue attached to bones, responsible for voluntary movements of the body.