Final answer:
In the Hodgkin Huxley model, the gates refer to the mechanisms that control the flow of ions through the ion channels in a neuron's membrane.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Hodgkin Huxley model, the gates refer to the mechanisms that control the flow of ions through the ion channels in a neuron's membrane. There are two types of gates: the activation gate and the inactivation gate. The activation gate opens when the membrane potential crosses -55 mV, allowing sodium ions to rush into the cell. The inactivation gate, on the other hand, closes after a specific period of time following the activation gate opening. This gating mechanism ensures that the flow of ions is regulated, allowing for the generation and propagation of action potentials.