An action potential occurs when a neuron fires, sending an electrical signal down its axon. It is triggered when the membrane potential reaches a threshold of around -55 mV due to sodium ions rushing into the cell. This depolarizes the neuron to 0 mV. Then, potassium ions exit the cell, repolarizing it back below the resting potential of -70 mV. The influx and efflux of ions is due to the specific opening and closing of sodium and potassium channels. This process results in a consistent action potential amplitude regardless of the strength of the stimulus, following the all-or-none principle.