Whenever I hear ‘electrical signals’ in terms of the heart’s function, I get completely lost. Is this actual electricity or just a term for brain signals? Or are brain signals electrical? Thanks
In: Biology
Nerves and muscles use electricity to function, but on a microscopic scale
Electricity is a difference in electrical potential, and nerve/muscle cells generate this by pumping positively charged ions like sodium and potassium across a membrane, leading to one side having a slightly more positive charge.
When enough of a charge is generated, it causes the muscle to contract. Shortly after, the ions are re-balanced and can prepare for another contraction
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