The brief electrical charge that travels down the axon of a neuron is called the action potential.
Explanation:
An action potential is an electrical nerve impulse arising in a neuron due to the difference of electrical charges (due to the electrically charged ions) that pass across the plasma membrane of the nerve cells.
During a resting potential, the neuron gets ready to transmit a signal where there are more positive charges outside a nerve cell compared to its inside.
A nerve impulse arises when a reversal of electrical charges happens which is the action potential. Once a chemical signal is received, it opens the sodium ion channels. Positive ions flow in and charge the cell positively more than outside.
This reversal of electric charges leads to passage of signal as electric current and travels down the axon.
