answersLogoWhite

0

When a neuron is at its resting potential, it maintains a stable, negative electrical charge inside relative to the outside environment, typically around -70 millivolts. This state is achieved primarily through the differential distribution of ions, with higher concentrations of potassium ions (K+) inside the cell and sodium ions (Na+) outside. The neuron's membrane is selectively permeable, allowing potassium to diffuse out while restricting sodium from entering, thus preserving the resting potential. This polarization is essential for the generation of action potentials when the neuron is activated.

User Avatar

AnswerBot

2mo ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Natural Sciences
Related Questions

Do all cells have a resting potential of -70mV?

No, not all cells have a resting potential of -70mV. The resting potential of a cell can vary depending on the type of cell and its function. However, many excitable cells, such as neurons, have a resting potential close to -70mV.


The resting membrane potential in neurons ranges from?

-60mV to -70mV


Does the sodium or potassium pump provide energy for neurons but does not affect resting membrane potential?

False


What is an unstimulated neuron?

An unstimulated neuron is a nerve cell that is not currently transmitting signals. It is in a resting state, with a stable membrane potential, and is not actively firing action potentials or sending messages to other neurons.


What system keeps the neuron at it's resting potential?

The sodium-potassium pump maintains the neuron's resting membrane potential by actively pumping sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, creating a negative internal charge. This helps to establish the typical resting potential of -70mV in neurons.


What is the inside charge of a nerve at its resting potentail?

The inside of a nerve cell is negatively charged at its resting potential, typically around -70 millivolts. This resting membrane potential is maintained by the differential distribution of ions across the cell membrane, with more sodium and calcium ions outside the cell and more potassium ions inside.


Why is the resting membrane potential the same value in both the sensory neuron and the interneuron?

The resting membrane potential is typically around -70mV in both sensory neurons and interneurons due to the presence of ion channels that maintain this voltage by allowing specific ions to flow in and out of the cell. This stable membrane potential allows for rapid and efficient communication between different types of neurons in the nervous system.


A resting potential is caused by a difference in the concentration of certain ions inside and outside the cell?

The resting potential of a cell is primarily created by the unequal distribution of ions across the cell membrane, with more sodium ions outside and more potassium ions inside. This creates an electrical gradient known as the resting membrane potential, typically around -70mV in neurons. The selective permeability of the cell membrane to ions and the actions of the sodium-potassium pump play a key role in maintaining the resting potential.


What does the difference in the K and Na concentration on either side of the plasma membrane and permeability of the membrane to those ions generate?

The difference in concentration of K+ and Na+ across the plasma membrane, along with the membrane's permeability to these ions, generates the resting membrane potential. This potential is essential for maintaining electrical excitability in cells, such as neurons and muscle cells, and is involved in processes like nerve signaling and muscle contraction.


What is a resting motor neuron expected to do?

exhibit a resting potential that is more negative than the "threshold" potential


If a resting potential becomes more negative what happens to the cell?

When the membrane potential becomes more negative it is being hyperpolarized. Remember the resting membrane potential is already at a negative state (~70mV). So if you are making a comparison of a membrane potential that is hyperpolarized in comparison to a resting membrane potential, the resting membrane potential is said to be more depolarized.When the membrane potential becomes more positive it is called depolarization.


What is -70 mV?

-70 mV, or -70 millivolts, is a unit of measurement used to quantify electrical potential difference. It represents a negative charge or voltage. In biological systems such as neurons, -70 mV is a common resting membrane potential.