Final answer:
The sodium channels related to an action potential are known as gated ion channels, specifically voltage-gated sodium channels, which open in response to membrane voltage changes to allow sodium ions to initiate action potentials.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sodium channels associated with an action potential are examples of gated ion channels. These channels can open or close in response to voltage changes across a cell's membrane. They are crucial in the processes of electrical transmission in nerve cells and muscle contraction in muscle cells. Voltage-gated sodium channels open during the depolarization phase of an action potential, allowing sodium ions (Na+) to enter the cell, contributing to the rapid spreading of the action potential and initiating processes like excitation-contraction coupling in muscle fibers.