2. The process by which a nerve impulse is produced when sodium travels into the nerve cell, making the cell less negative, is known as
Answer: B
Depolarization
Depolarization is the process by which a nerve impulse is produced when sodium ions rush into the nerve cell, causing the internal environment of the cell to become less negative compared to its external surroundings.
A) long-term potentiation
Long-term potentiation refers to a long-lasting enhancement in signal transmission between two neurons that results from their repeated stimulation. This process is related to synaptic plasticity and memory, but it does not specifically describe the process of sodium ions entering the nerve cell to trigger an impulse.
B) depolarization
Depolarization is the correct answer as it specifically describes the influx of sodium ions into the nerve cell. This influx reduces the negativity inside the cell relative to the outside, which is key in initiating an action potential or nerve impulse.
C) myelination
Myelination is the process of forming a myelin sheath around the axons of neurons, which helps to insulate them and increase the speed of electrical transmission. While important for nerve function, it does not involve the movement of sodium ions into the cell and therefore does not relate to the process described in the question.
D) synaptic transmission
Synaptic transmission refers to the process by which one neuron communicates with another across a synapse, often involving neurotransmitters. While it is crucial for nerve signaling, it does not directly involve the depolarization mechanism that occurs when sodium enters the nerve cell.
Conclusion
Depolarization is definitively the correct answer as it directly describes the physiological event that occurs when sodium ions enter a nerve cell, leading to a less negative internal environment and the generation of a nerve impulse. The other options, while related to nerve function, do not accurately represent this specific process.