Im a bit confused regarding the different types of ions involved in neuron communication – what is the distinction between the roles played by potassium ions and calcium ions?
A. This is a question that has a lot to it. I would be very surprised if you need to know any sort of detail between the role of these two ions. Potassium ions “work” with sodium ions to maintain membrane potential in cells and are the primary ions involved in propogation of an action potential. Calcium ions are more involved with what happens at the axon terminals and release of neurotransmitters, as well as the generation of muscle contraction ( in muscle cells) after stimulation by a motor neuron.
