In beta cells of the pancreas, they provoke release of insulin. Action potentials in neurons are also known as  nerve impulses  or spikes, and the temporal sequence of action potentials generated by a neuron is called its  spike train .A neuron that emits an action potential is often said to fire.n beta cells of the pancreas, they provoke release of insulin. Action potentials in neurons are also known as  nerve impulses  or spikes, and the temporal sequence of action potentials generated by a neuron is called its  spike train .