AP Case Study - Under the Knife - What does Cole mean when he says that anesthesia “inhibits the n

 What does Cole mean when he says that anesthesia “inhibits the neurons?”
5. Is Cole correct when he assumes that leak potassium channels are different than
voltage-gated potassium channels? Explain your answer.
6. If the anesthesia opens more potassium leak channels, why are Kevin’s neurons less
likely to produce action potentials?
7. Suppose Kevin’s pre-op blood work indicates that his extracellular potassium
concentration is much higher than usual. This condition is known as hyperkalemia
and must be corrected before he can undergo surgery. One of the dangers of
hyperkalemia is that it makes neurons and muscle cells more excitable. Why does
elevated extracellular potassium have this effect?
8. Similar types of potassium channels are found in skeletal muscle cell (plasma)
membranes. Predict the effect of general anesthesia on Kevin’s skeletal muscle
contraction during surgery.