What is a nerve impulse? A nerve impulse, or an action potential, is a series of electrical responses that occur in the cell. (Fig. 2) With the appropriate stimulation, the voltage in the dendrite of the neuron will become somewhat less negative.This change in the membrane potential, called depolarization, will cause the voltage-gated sodium channels to open. Sodium ions will rush in, resulting in a rapid change in the charge.At the peak of the action potential, that area of the neuron is about 40 mV positive. As the voltage becomes positive, the sodium channels close, or inactivate, and the voltage-gated potassium channels open.These potassium channels let potassium ions rush out of the cell, causing the voltage to become negative again.) With the appropriate stimulation, the voltage in the dendrite of the neuron will become somewhat less negative. This change in the membrane potential, called depolarization, will cause the voltage-gated sodium channels to open. Sodium ions will rush in, resulting in a rapid change in the charge.
â¢ ASTUTENESS (noun) The noun ASTUTENESS has 2 senses: 1. intelligence manifested by being astute (as in business dealings) 2. the intellectual ability to penetrate deeply into ideas. Familiarity information: ASTUTENESS used as a noun is rare.
Synonyms: shrewd, sagacious, astute, perspicacious These adjectives mean having or showing keen awareness, sound judgment, and often resourcefulness, especially in practical matters. Shrewd suggests a sharp intelligence, hardheadedness, and often an intuitive grasp of practical considerations: He was too shrewd to go along with them upon a road which could lead only to their overthrow (J.A. Froude).