Neurophysiology – The Action Potential
This topic is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your knowledge of the physiology of the
nervous system. You are welcome to use the suggested headings provided here or include
relevant subheadings of your own.
To begin, provide a brief introduction to the body’s nervous system. This should include a
summary of the specialised cell found within the system, its unique property and what the
broad function of the nervous system is.
Next, for the physiology section of the report, describe what resting membrane potential is
and how it is established. Then, accurately describe the physiological process of the action
potential in the neuron, be sure to include all steps (including rest). You are encouraged to
use diagrams to support your explanation just be sure to refer to them closely within your
explanations.
Case Study – Puffer Fish Poisoning
The case study requires you to describe what would happen to the normal physiology of the
action potential given the following scenario. Puffer fish toxin, known as Tetrodotoxin, or TTX,
is a poisonous toxin found in some parts of the puffer fish body. If ingested TTX is known to
block voltage gated sodium channels. Knowing this, describe what would happen to the
neuronal action potential in a person who ingests TTX. Be sure to indicate which phase of the
action potential will be affected, and what changes if any you would expect to see in each of
the phases of the Action Potential. Finally, provide a brief comment of what you think the
impact of this would be on the function of the nervous system and in turn the health of the
individual affected by the toxin.
subheadings that you could use
• Introduction to the Nervous System
• Physiology of the Action Potential
• Case Study – Puffer Fish Poisoning
Harvard referencing is recommended for this poster.