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At rest, a neuron is highly polarized -- a significant electrical charge difference exists between the inside and the outside (poles) of the cell. This polarity is what allows the cell to quickly respond to triggering events and do work, similar to the charge in a battery. A neuron de-polarizes when something reduces that charge difference, typically when pores in the cell membrane are unblocked, allowing charged ions to flow. Technically, a reduction of even a single electron of polar charge is a "depolarization". This can occur by dozens of mechanisms. However, the usual process is: (1) a neuron is polarized, (2) an electrical signal traveling inside the neuron changes the internal membrane charge just enough to cause voltage-sensitive pores to open, which (3) allows a massive influx of charged ions from outside the cell. This now depolarized cell recovers its resting polarity quickly through a reverse flow of electrons and via ion pumps in the membrane.

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State in which the resting potential is reversed as sodium ions rush into the neuron?

This state is known as depolarization. It occurs when there is a rapid influx of sodium ions into the neuron, causing the inside of the neuron to become more positively charged compared to the outside.


What event follows after the depolarization of a neuron?

After depolarization, the neuron undergoes repolarization, during which the cell's membrane potential returns to resting state. This is followed by hyperpolarization, where the membrane potential briefly becomes more negative than the resting state, before returning to its baseline. Finally, the neuron enters a refractory period, during which it is temporarily unable to generate another action potential.


How is an action potential propagated down an axon after voltage-gated sodium channels open in a region of the neuron's membrane?

The entry of sodium ions into the neuron and their diffusion to adjacent areas of the membrane causes those portions of the membrane to become depolarized and results in the opening of voltage-gated sodium channels farther down the axon, which release potassium ions to the outside, returning the charge to its previous state


The process of depolarization and repolarization is called?

The process of depolarization and repolarization is called an action potential. During depolarization, the cell's membrane potential becomes more positive, while during repolarization, the membrane potential returns to its resting state.


If the inside of the neuron is negatively charged compared to the outside the neuron is in the?

If it's approximately -70 mV, then it's in a resting state.

Related Questions

State in which the resting potential is reversed as sodium ions rush into the neuron?

This state is known as depolarization. It occurs when there is a rapid influx of sodium ions into the neuron, causing the inside of the neuron to become more positively charged compared to the outside.


What event follows after the depolarization of a neuron?

After depolarization, the neuron undergoes repolarization, during which the cell's membrane potential returns to resting state. This is followed by hyperpolarization, where the membrane potential briefly becomes more negative than the resting state, before returning to its baseline. Finally, the neuron enters a refractory period, during which it is temporarily unable to generate another action potential.


When the outside of the neuron cell is more positive than the inside the cell is?

When the outside of the neuron cell is more positive than the inside, the cell is in a state of depolarization. This shift in electrical charge can trigger an action potential, leading to the propagation of nerve impulses along the neuron.


Is depolarization the resting state of the p wave?

No, depolarization is not the resting state of the P wave. Depolarization is the process where the heart muscle contracts in response to an electrical signal. The P wave represents atrial depolarization, the electrical activity that triggers the contraction of the atria in the heart.


How is an action potential propagated down an axon after voltage-gated sodium channels open in a region of the neuron's membrane?

The entry of sodium ions into the neuron and their diffusion to adjacent areas of the membrane causes those portions of the membrane to become depolarized and results in the opening of voltage-gated sodium channels farther down the axon, which release potassium ions to the outside, returning the charge to its previous state


When is a neurolemma more permeable to potassium than sodium?

The neurolemma is more permeable to potassium than sodium during the resting state of a neuron, known as the resting membrane potential. This is due to the presence of leak potassium channels that allow potassium ions to move more freely across the neurolemma, contributing to the negative charge inside the neuron.


The process of depolarization and repolarization is called?

The process of depolarization and repolarization is called an action potential. During depolarization, the cell's membrane potential becomes more positive, while during repolarization, the membrane potential returns to its resting state.


What changes occur in the neuron during an action potential?

During an action potential, the neuron undergoes a rapid change in membrane potential as sodium ions rush into the cell, leading to depolarization. Subsequently, potassium ions move out of the cell, repolarizing the membrane back to its resting state. This rapid change in membrane potential allows for the transmission of electrical signals along the neuron.


What name is given to a neuron that is not sending a nervous impulse?

A neuron that is not sending a nervous impulse is typically referred to as a resting neuron. In its resting state, the neuron is polarized with a negative internal charge.


If the inside of the neuron is negatively charged compared to the outside the neuron is in the?

If it's approximately -70 mV, then it's in a resting state.


What do you call the state of a neuron when it is not firing a neural impulse?

The state of a neuron when it is not firing a neural impulse is called the resting potential. This is when the neuron is negatively charged inside compared to outside, waiting for a stimulus to change its electrical charge and initiate an action potential.


What do you call the state of a neuron when it is firing a neural impulse?

Resting potential.