MAMOLO, ZHAREIGHNEILE C.

DECEMBER 2, 2020
DENT 3F M3 L1 Check-In Activity Dr. Agnes Magnaye

Answer the following questions:

1. Write the mechanism of Action potential.

• Resting Stage
— All gated Na+ and K+ channels closed. When a neuron is at rest, it is in a
state of polarization (-70 mv). There is an excess of sodium (Na+) ions
outside of the cell membrane that create a positive charge. There is an
excess of potassium (K+) ions inside the cell along with negatively charged
molecules that produce a negative charge inside the cell membrane.

• Depolarizing Stage
— A stimulus is received by the dendrites of a nerve cell, this causes the Na+
channels to open. An action potential begins when the neuron is
depolarized. For an electrical stimulate smaller than a critical threshold
value which equals to -55mV. No significant action potential changes
occur. A stimulus above threshold level: If the opening is sufficient to drive
the interior potential from -70 mV up to -55mV, the process continues.

• Repolarizing Stage
— Na+ channels inactivated and K+ channels open. Once the cell reaches its
peak positive potential, it repolarizes, returning to a negative membrane
potential.

• Hyperpolarizing Stage
— The repolarization typically overshoots the rest potential to about -90mv.
K+ channels remain open and Na+ channels inactivated. Often the
membrane potential becomes more negative than the resting potential.
Hyperpolarization assures that the signal is proceeding in one direction.
MAMOLO, ZHAREIGHNEILE C. DECEMBER 2, 2020
DENT 3F M3 L1 Check-In Activity Dr. Agnes Magnaye

• Refractory Stage
— After hyperpolarization, the Na+/K+ pump eventually brings the
membrane back to its resting state of -70 mV. Due to the changes in the K
permeability and the pump gradually reestablish the resting Na and K
concentration. The neuron cannot be stimulated during its process of
refractory. This period of time is quick and effective to the neuron, as it
does not take long or hard work to go back into the resting stage.

2. Give the function of each neurotransmitters provided in the previous lecture.

• Acetylcholine – In the Peripheral Nervous System, it activates muscle and is a

major transmitter in the Autonomic Nervous System. It can both excitatory and
inhibitory neurotransmitter and acts to contract smooth muscles, dilates blood
vessels, increases bodily secretions, and slows heart rate.

• Norepinephrine – It functions as an excitatory neurotransmitter and hormone

that regulates the 'fight or flight' response and elevates blood pressure and heart
rate, stimulates wakefulness, and reduces digestive activity. It induces physical
and mental arousal, elevates mood and is involved with memory and learning
(ADHD).

• Epinephrine – It functions to elicit a fight or flight response, increase heart rate

and blood pressure, dilates blood vessels decreasing resistance to blood flow,
dilates airways, raises blood sugar, and activates reticular formation of brain.

• Histamine – Acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter, mediates in arousal and

attention, as well as pro-inflammatory signal released from mast cells in response
to allergic reactions or tissue damage.

• Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) – It is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter

of the brain, turns off the function of the neurons, and acts as a brake for the
excitatory neurotransmitters that cause anxiety.

• Glycine – It is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult vertebrate central

nervous system (CNS) and brainstem. Normal functions of glycinergic neurons
are essential for maintaining a balance of excitatory and inhibitory activity in
spinal cord integrating centers that regulate skeletal muscle contraction.
MAMOLO, ZHAREIGHNEILE C. DECEMBER 2, 2020
DENT 3F M3 L1 Check-In Activity Dr. Agnes Magnaye

• Serotonin – It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that governs sleep, appetite,

arousal, impulsivity, and temperature. It is necessary for stable mood and to
balance any excessive excitatory (stimulating) neurotransmitter firing in the
brain.

• Glutamate – It is a major excitatory neurotransmitter that is responsible for

sending signals between nerve cells, and under normal conditions is involved in
most aspects of normal brain function including cognition, memory and learning.

References:

VanPutte, C., Regan, J., Russo, A., Tate, P., Stephens, T., & Seeley, R. (2013). Anatomy
& Physiology (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Hospital. (2015). Neurotransmitters. Retrieved from

https://www.slideshare.net/RajeshChaudhary10/neurotransmitters-45619248

Neurotransmitters. (2020). Retrieved from

https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/neurotransmitters

Michael P, C. (2020). Neuroscience Dr. Michael P. Gillespie

Neurotransmitters.Retrieved from https://slideplayer.com/slide/4379788/

Allul S. (2017). Action potential . Retrieved from

https://www.slideshare.net/somallul/action-potential-75945398