When sodium ions enter a neuron during depolarization, they trigger the opening of additional voltage-gated sodium channels nearby, creating a positive feedback loop where the influx of sodium ions further depolarizes the membrane, causing even more sodium channels to open and allowing more sodium ions to enter the cell, thus sustaining the depolarization process until the action potential peaks. But how and why exactly does the influx of sodium ions trigger more sodium channels to let in more sodium? Please explain

Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap Course List)
9th Edition
ISBN:9781285866932
Author:Lauralee Sherwood
Publisher:Lauralee Sherwood
Chapter4: Principles Of Neural And Hormonal Communication
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RE: Conformational changes in channel proteins brought about by voltage changes are responsible for...
icon
Related questions
Question

When sodium ions enter a neuron during depolarization, they trigger the opening of additional voltage-gated sodium channels nearby, creating a positive feedback loop where the influx of sodium ions further depolarizes the membrane, causing even more sodium channels to open and allowing more sodium ions to enter the cell, thus sustaining the depolarization process until the action potential peaks. But how and why exactly does the influx of sodium ions trigger more sodium channels to let in more sodium? Please explain 

AI-Generated Solution
AI-generated content may present inaccurate or offensive content that does not represent bartleby’s views.
steps

Unlock instant AI solutions

Tap the button
to generate a solution

Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap …
Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap …
Biology
ISBN:
9781285866932
Author:
Lauralee Sherwood
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:
9781305112100
Author:
Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Biology 2e
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:
9781947172517
Author:
Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:
OpenStax
Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:
9781305389892
Author:
Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:
9781938168130
Author:
Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Peter DeSaix, Dean H. Kruse, Brandon Poe, Eddie Johnson, Jody E. Johnson, Oksana Korol, J. Gordon Betts, Mark Womble
Publisher:
OpenStax College
Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:
9781337392938
Author:
Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Publisher:
Cengage Learning