Key Concepts in Resting Membrane Potential and Action Potentials

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts regarding membrane potential and action potentials in neurons.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

A cellular mechanism that moves three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell, using ATP for energy.

Membrane Potential

The potential difference across a cell membrane between the inside and the outside, typically negative inside compared to outside.

Resting Membrane Potential

The state of a neuron when it is not actively sending signals, typically around -70 millivolts.

Depolarization

The process during an action potential where the membrane potential becomes less negative and can exceed zero.

Repolarization

The phase of an action potential where the membrane potential returns towards the resting membrane potential after depolarization.

Hyperpolarization

A change in membrane potential that makes it more negative than the resting potential.

Equilibrium Potential

The membrane potential at which there is no net movement of a particular ion across the membrane.

Action Potential

A rapid, temporary change in the membrane potential that occurs when a neuron is activated.

All-or-None Principle

The principle stating that an action potential occurs fully or not at all, depending on whether the threshold is reached.

Gated Channels

Protein channels in the cell membrane that open or close in response to specific stimuli, allowing ions to move in or out.