Final answer:
This question involves the process of depolarization, repolarization, and hyperpolarization in neurons, whereby voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels play critical roles in generating and propagating action potentials along the cell membrane.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject in question is related to the action potentials in neurons, focusing on membrane depolarization, repolarization, and hyperpolarization. During depolarization, voltage-gated sodium channels open as the membrane potential becomes more positive due to the influx of Na+ ions. This triggers a rapid action potential that travels along the nerve cell membrane. Following this, repolarization occurs when K+ ions flow out of the cell, restoring the negative membrane potential. In some cases, an additional phase called hyperpolarization occurs, where the membrane potential becomes more negative than during the resting state. Mechanically gated channels and other types of ion channels in the cell membrane contribute to these changes in electrical potential, important for nerve impulse transmission.