Outline how nerve impulses are transmitted along a nerve fibre.

1. Sodium (voltage-gated) channels open and Nadiffuse into neuron (down concentration gradient).

2. Inside of neuron becomes positive compared to the outside, so potential is reversed = depolarization.

3. Wave of depolarization moves down the membrane.

4. Potassium channels open and Kdiffuse out down the concentration gradient.

5. Inside becomes negative compared with outside, potential across membrane restored = repolarization.

6. Active transport K(into neuron) and Na(out of neuron) restores resting potential.

PW
Answered by Paulina W. Biology tutor

12352 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why does glucose pass into the kidney but red blood cells and protein do not?


Both Fish and Mammals have ventilation mechanisms. Explain the function of ventilation mechanisms and name the muscles which operate the ventilation mechanism in mammals.


Sperm cells and muscle cells are both specialised animal cells. Outline one way in which these two cells are different.


What are the main stages of the cardiac cycle?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning