Dictionary
action potential
noun
Definition of ACTION POTENTIAL
: a momentary reversal in electrical potential across a plasma membrane (as of a neuron or muscle fiber) that occurs when a cell has been activated by a stimulus
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First Known Use of ACTION POTENTIAL
1926
Medical Dictionary
action potential
noun
Medical Definition of ACTION POTENTIAL
: a momentary reversal in the potential difference across a plasma membrane (as of a nerve cell or muscle fiber) that occurs when a cell has been activated by a stimulus—called also spike potential; compare resting potential; see afterpotential, generator potential, prepotential
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