Central Nervous System (CNS) Resting Membrane Potential

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the central nervous system, specifically focusing on resting membrane potential and related concepts.

Resting Membrane Potential

The difference in voltage between the inside and outside of a cell at rest.

Depolarization

A shift in electric charge distribution resulting in less negative charge inside the cell compared to outside.

Hyperpolarization

A shift in electric charge distribution resulting in more negative charge inside the cell.

Repolarization

The process of returning to resting membrane potential after depolarization.

Action Potential

A rapid depolarization and repolarization of the membrane potential.

Nernst Equation

An equation used to calculate the equilibrium potential for a single ion.

Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz (GHK) Equation

An equation used to calculate the resting membrane potential considering multiple ions.

Inward Current

Current flow defined by positive charge moving into the cell.

Outward Current

Current flow defined by positive charge moving out of the cell.

Metabotropic Receptors

7-transmembrane G-protein–coupled receptors that initiate intracellular signaling cascades upon activation.

Inotropic Receptors

Ligand-gated channels that open upon binding of a neurotransmitter, resulting in fast synaptic transmission.