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action potential
The electrical signal which rapidly propagates along the membrane of the axon of nerve cells, as well as over the surface of some muscle and glandular cells. It is caused by a change in membrane electrical potential, the underlying cause of which is a change in flow of ions across the membrane due to voltage-activated ion channels. It leads to an all-or-nothing action current known as the nervous impulse.
Related category
• ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Source: NOAA
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