How do action potentials work?

Nerves in the body connect the brain to the various organs and muscles in the body, much like a worldwide communication network. When you want to move your hand, the nerves transmit signals from the brain to the hand, instructing the relevant muscles in the hand to contract. This signal from the brain does not pass through the nerves as a single command. Instead, the nerves transmit numerous electrical impulses, known as action potentials, to different muscles in your hand, enabling precise movement.

Neurons are specialized cells dedicated to transmitting information throughout the body. In addition to a cell body with a nucleus and organelles, neurons have these unique features that enhance their ability to transmit action potentials:

• Dendrites: Receive signals from nearby neurons 
• Axon: Transmits signals over long distances 
• Axon terminal: Transmits signals to other neuron dendrites or tissues 
• Myelin sheath: Accelerates signal transmission along the axon

Concentration gradients, which refer to the difference in ion concentrations between the inside of a neuron and the extracellular fluid outside the neuron, play a crucial role in how action potentials work.