Action Potentials (also known as Action Potential, Potential, Action): Abrupt changes in the membrane potential that sweep along the CELL MEMBRANE of excitable cells in response to excitation stimuli.

NIH MeSH · D000200Phenomena and Processes

Action Potentials

Also known asAction Potential · Potential, Action · Potentials, Action · Spike Potentials · Potential, Spike · Potentials, Spike · Spike Potential · Nerve Impulses · Impulse, Nerve · Impulses, Nerve · Nerve Impulse

Definition

Abrupt changes in the membrane potential that sweep along the CELL MEMBRANE of excitable cells in response to excitation stimuli.

MeSH classification

  • G04.580.100
  • G07.265.675.100
  • G11.561.570.100

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Common questions about Action Potentials

What does Action Potentials mean in medicine?
Abrupt changes in the membrane potential that sweep along the CELL MEMBRANE of excitable cells in response to excitation stimuli. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Action Potentials known by any other names?
Yes. Action Potentials is also referred to as Action Potential, Potential, Action, Potentials, Action, Spike Potentials in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Action Potentials sit in the medical classification?
Action Potentials falls under the broader medical category "Phenomena and Processes" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: G04.580.100, G07.265.675.100, G11.561.570.100). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Action Potentials?
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Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D000200) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗