Final answer:
A standard voltmeter cannot measure action potentials due to the specialized nature of the electrical signals in neurons. Instead, specialized equipment is used to observe these rapid voltage changes. Resting potential and action potential are different states of neuronal membrane voltage.
Step-by-step explanation:
No, a standard voltmeter cannot be used to directly measure action potentials in neurons because the electrical activity in neurons occurs rapidly and at a scale that requires specialized equipment. Instead, scientists use devices such as oscilloscopes and microelectrodes to measure the rapid changes in voltage that constitute an action potential. Action potentials are significant shifts in the membrane potential of neurons, characterized by a rapid depolarization followed by repolarization and a return to the resting state.
Comparing resting potential and action potential, resting potential is the difference in electric charge inside and outside of the cell in its resting state, whereas an action potential is a temporary reversal of this potential, causing a rapid increase followed by a decrease in membrane voltage. Action potentials occur along myelinated axons at the Nodes of Ranvier, which are gaps in the myelination where ion channels are concentrated, allowing for the necessary ion exchange.
When studying the nervous system, often leech or other animal models are used because the neurons can be similar to human neurons, providing valuable insights without the ethical and practical complications of experimenting directly on humans.