Glossary of Physiology Terms

Hodgkin cycle

The Hodgkin cycle represents a positive feedback loop in neurons, where an initial membrane depolarization from the resting value (∼ −70 mV) to the threshold value (∼ −50 mV) leads to rapid depolarization of the membrane potential to approach the equilibrium potential for Na⁺ (V_Na ≈ +60 mV). The voltage-gated Na⁺ channels of neurons are responsible for the Hodgkin cycle.

See the figure depicting the Hodgkin cycle.

Important Features of the Neuronal Action Potential