Answer to Question #234812 in Human Anatomy and Physiology for moe

Question

6. Explain the process by which ion channels generate action potentials.

Answer 1

The action potential is the state of excitability at which the membrane depolarizes and allows to propagates the signal to move forward. These are short, rapid, and transitory states. 

The membrane potential at the resting state is known to be at -70mV. There are some leaky channels are present which allow the movement of the ions across the membrane as a result the membrane shifts toward the threshold but not acquires the threshold state. Now due to the signal impulse triggers, the Na ion channel opens and allows the movement of the Na+ ions inside the membrane. This causes the change in the inner membrane potential to the +ive charge above +30mV. Therefore, the opening of the Na ion channel results in the formation of the action (AP) potential.