Action Potential

Pronunciation: /ˈækʃən pəˈtɛnʃəl/

Definitions of action potential

noun a brief electrical impulse that travels down the axon of a neuron

Example Sentences

A1 An action potential is a brief electrical signal that travels along a neuron.

A2 Students in biology class learned about the process of generating an action potential in nerve cells.

B1 Understanding the concept of action potential is crucial for studying the nervous system.

B2 Researchers are investigating the role of action potentials in communication between brain cells.

C1 The precise timing of action potentials is essential for proper muscle coordination.

C2 Neuroscientists are conducting experiments to study the mechanisms underlying the generation of action potentials.

Examples of action potential in a Sentence

formal The action potential is a brief electrical signal that travels down the axon of a neuron.

informal When the action potential fires, it's like a little electric spark in your brain.

slang When that action potential goes off, it's like your brain is lit up like a Christmas tree.

figurative The action potential is like a messenger carrying important information through the neuron pathways.

Grammatical Forms of action potential

• plural: action potentials
• present tense: action potential
• future tense: will have action potential
• perfect tense: has had action potential
• continuous tense: is having action potential
• singular: action potential
• positive degree: most action potential
• infinitive: to have action potential
• gerund: having action potential
• participle: having had action potential

Origin and Evolution of action potential

First Known Use: 1952 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'action potential' originated in the field of neuroscience to describe the brief electrical impulse that travels along the membrane of a neuron.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe the electrical activity in neurons, the term 'action potential' has since been adopted in various fields of biology and medicine to refer to similar phenomena in muscle cells, endocrine cells, and other excitable cells.