What Causes the Rapid Change in the Resting Membrane Potential

question 41

Multiple Choice

What causes the rapid change in the resting membrane potential to initiate an action potential?

• A)Potassium gates open, and potassium rushes into the cell, changing the membrane potential from negative to positive.
• B)Sodium gates open, and sodium rushes into the cell, changing the membrane potential from negative to positive.
• C)Sodium gates close, allowing potassium into the cell to change the membrane potential from positive to negative.
• D)Potassium gates close, allowing sodium into the cell to change the membrane potential from positive to negative.

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Definitions:

Cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, responsible for voluntary muscular activity, vision, speech, taste, hearing, thought, and memory.

Limbic System

A complex system of nerves and networks in the brain, involved in basic emotions and drives.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain responsible for hormone production and regulation of vital bodily functions such as temperature and hunger.

Pons

A part of the brain located in the brainstem, vital for regulating breathing, communication between different parts of the brain, and relaying sensory information.