What is action potential?

An action potential refers to the rapid electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron, resulting from the movement of ions across the neuron's membrane. When a neuron is sufficiently stimulated, a change in the membrane's electrical charge occurs, leading to depolarization. This depolarization wave, which is the action potential itself, propagates down the axon, enabling the transmission of signals within the nervous system.

This process is critical for communication between neurons and influences the release of neurotransmitters at the axon terminals, allowing for the transfer of information to other neurons or muscle cells. The understanding of action potentials is fundamental in psychology because they underpin neuronal communication, affecting behavior, perception, and overall brain function.