What is the term for the electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron?

The term for the electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron is action potential. An action potential is a rapid and significant change in the membrane potential of a neuron that occurs when a stimulus causes the neuron to depolarize. This depolarization is followed by a repolarization phase, allowing the signal to propagate along the axon towards the synaptic terminals.

The action potential is critical for neuronal communication, as it enables the transmission of information throughout the nervous system. When the action potential reaches the axon terminals, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters, which facilitate communication between neurons.

In contrast, resting potential refers to the stable, inactive state of a neuron when it is not transmitting signals, synaptic potential refers to the change in membrane potential in response to neurotransmitter binding at the synapse, and neuron potential is a vague term not typically used in the context of describing the signaling process in neurons. Thus, the action potential specifically describes the traveling electrical signal essential for neuronal function.