What does action potential refer to?

Action potential is defined as a wave of positive electrical charge that sweeps down the axon of a neuron. This process is crucial for the transmission of nerve impulses and occurs when a neuron reaches a certain threshold level, leading to a rapid change in membrane potential. During an action potential, sodium ions flow into the neuron, causing depolarization, followed by repolarization as potassium ions exit the cell. This rapid sequence of ion exchanges generates an electrical impulse that travels along the axon to communicate information to other neurons or muscles, facilitating various functions in the nervous system.

Understanding this concept is essential in psychology and neuroscience as it underlies how signals are transmitted in the nervous system and ultimately influences behavior and cognitive processes.