What term is used for the changes in electrical charge that occur during the firing of a neuron?

The term that describes the changes in electrical charge that occur during the firing of a neuron is action potential. This phenomenon occurs when a neuron is stimulated beyond a certain threshold, leading to rapid depolarization and repolarization of the neuron's membrane. During this process, sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to rush into the neuron, resulting in a positive shift in the membrane potential. This is followed by the opening of potassium channels, which allow potassium ions to exit the neuron, restoring the membrane potential back to its resting state.

Action potentials are crucial for the communication between neurons and are the fundamental signaling mechanism in the nervous system. They propagate along the axon of the neuron to signal the release of neurotransmitters at synapses, enabling the transmission of information throughout the brain and body. Understanding action potentials is essential for grasping how neuronal communication functions.