03-17-25

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the nervous system and membrane potential as discussed in the lecture.

Membrane Potential

The voltage generated by the distribution of negative and positive charges lining the inner and outer membranes of a cell.

Voltage

A potential difference that causes charges to move; also referred to as potential.

Ion

An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.

Facilitated Diffusion

A process by which substances are transported across cell membranes with the assistance of carrier proteins.

Resting Membrane Potential

The membrane potential of a cell when it is not being stimulated or inhibited.

Permeability

The ability of a membrane to allow substances to pass through it; higher permeability means more transport.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

A protein that pumps sodium out of and potassium into the cell, maintaining concentration gradients.

Depolarization

A change in membrane potential that makes the cell interior less negative (more positive).

Hyperpolarization

A change in membrane potential that makes the cell interior more negative.

Repolarization

The return of membrane potential back towards resting value after a change.