Take away lessons

Resting potential: Relatively static membrane potential of quiescent cells in which no net transport of ions across the membrane is apparent. Equilibrium potential is maintained by the cell as it strives to keep the concentration gradient and electrical driving forces balanced at ≈ −70 mV.

Action potential: A brief electrical activity (a spike), created by depolarizing/repolarizing currents of sodium and potassium ions across the membrane. In response to stimuli, the cell membrane is depolarized. Once a threshold voltage is reached, an action potential is initiated through the opening of Na+ channels and the diffusion of Na+ into the cell. As a result, the membrane voltage continues depolarizing until Na+ channels close and K+ channels open. K+ then diffuses out of the cell, causing re-polarization, followed by a voltage undershoot (hyper-polarization).

Spike propagation: Propagation of action potential along an axon, driven by sodium channels and prevented by activation of potassium channels. Once an action potential is generated, it propagates down the axon. When a region produces an action potential and undergoes a depolarization via an influx of Na+ ions into the cell, it serves as a stimulus for the next region of the axon. In this way, action potentials are regenerated along each small region of the axon membrane.

Synapse: A site of impulse (action potential) transmission between neurons, via neurotransmitter release. Action potentials arriving at the end of an axon trigger the uptake of Ca+ which causes synaptic vesicles to fuse with the axon terminals, releasing their encapsulated neurotransmitters. These transmitters diffuse across the synaptic gap and bind to receptors anchored on the postsynaptic membrane, inducing ion flux, which causes depolarization/hyperpolarization.