AP (action potential)

An action potential (AP) is a rapid change in electrical charge that occurs in nerve cells, allowing them to send signals throughout the body. When a nerve receives a strong enough stimulus, it triggers a swift influx of ions that momentarily reverses the cell's electrical charge, generating a spike called the action potential. This spike travels along the nerve fiber, transmitting information like the sensation of touch or pain. After the signal passes, the nerve cell resets its charge to prepare for the next signal, ensuring efficient communication within the nervous system.