Question

bio - 201 topic 5: neuronal communication and the brain
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what happens when an action potential reaches a node of ranvier?
reaching a node of ranvier causes the cell membrane to repolarize
the depolarization of the cell membrane triggers the opening of voltage - gated ion channels, allowing positive ions to flow in and negative ions to flow out
the node of ranvier becomes hyperpolarized instead of depolarized
the action potential is blocked at the node of ranvier
the depolarization of the cell membrane triggers the opening of voltage - gated ion channels, allowing negative ions to flow in and positive ions to flow out

Explanation:

When an action potential reaches a node of Ranvier, the depolarization of the cell - membrane triggers the opening of voltage - gated ion channels. Sodium ions (positive) flow into the cell and potassium ions (positive) flow out initially during the action potential process. This is a key part of how nerve impulses are propagated along myelinated axons.

Answer:

The depolarization of the cell membrane triggers the opening of voltage - gated ion channels, allowing positive ions to flow in and negative ions to flow out.