Function and Applications

All or nothing impulse.

Functional model illustrating the action potential, according to Maier.

It demonstrates: Resting state of a nerve cell (resting potential), change in membrane voltage from resting voltage, duration of local stimulus response to duration of stimulus, demonstration of threshold, action potential, "emptying" of system. Representation of the refractory phase (non-excitability of the axon membrane).

The model consists of a tube system filled with water. The physical processes shown can be applied analogously to the processes involved in nerve excitation.

With working information for the teacher