A-Level Biology Specification

AQA 7402

Section 6.2.1: Nerve impulses

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#6.2.1.1

The structure of a myelinated motor neurone.

#6.2.1.2

The establishment of a resting potential in terms of differential membrane permeability, electrochemical gradients and the movement of sodium ions and potassium ions.

#6.2.1.3

Changes in membrane permeability lead to depolarisation and the generation of an action potential. The all-or-nothing principle.

#6.2.1.4

The passage of an action potential along non-myelinated and myelinated axons, resulting in nerve impulses.

#6.2.1.5

The nature and importance of the refractory period in producing discrete impulses and in limiting the frequency of impulse transmission.

#6.2.1.6

Factors affecting the speed of conductance: myelination and saltatory conduction; axon diameter; temperature.