Resting Potential of Neurons

Bioelectricity

central role in the function of the nervous system

resting potential

The electrical charge across the lipid membrane when a neuron is not sending or receiving signals.

Voltage

the difference in electrical potential between two points

Electrical Potential

The tendency of an electrical charge to move because of electrical forces between objects.

Potential Energy

Stored Energy

Diffusion

Ions moving from high concentration to low concentration. Random.

Electrostatic force

Particles attract opposite charges and repel like charges.

Attraction and Repulsion of ions.

Equilibrium

When two forces perfectly balance each other out.

Cations

Positive charged ions

Anions

Negative charged ions

Nernest Potential

Specific voltage at equilibrium.

Driving Force

how hard an ion is being pushed across the membrane

Depolarization

positive change in membrane potential

Hyperpolarization

Negative change in membrane potential

The GHK equation

Calculates the neuron at rest

Selectivity filter

Located at the front of the ion channel. It stimulates the spacing of the solvation shell for the ion of interest.

Solvation Shell

The shell of water molecules around an ion

Leakage Channels

Ions channels that passively allow certain ions to pass through.

ATP

an energy-carrying molecule

Sodium-Potassium Pump

This pumps out three Na+ for every two K+ that enters cell.