Membrane Potential Flashcard

Front

What does the sodium-potassium pump maintain?

Back

High sodium outside and high potassium inside the cell.

Front

What is the purpose of the refractory period?

Back

Allows the cell to rest and reset.

Front

What triggers potassium channels to open during repolarization?

Back

Positive charge inside the cell.

Front

What is the typical membrane potential during depolarization?

Back

+30 to +40 mV.

Front

What is hyperpolarization?

Back

Membrane potential becomes more negative than -70 mV.

Front

What is membrane potential?

Back

The difference in electric charge inside and outside a cell.

Front

What role do sodium channels play in action potentials?

Back

They open to allow sodium ions to enter the cell, causing depolarization.

Front

What is depolarization?

Back

A decrease in membrane potential, making the inside of the cell more positive.

Front

What is repolarization?

Back

The process of returning the membrane potential to a more negative value after depolarization.

Front

What is the resting membrane potential?

Back

Typically around -70 mV, where the cell is not actively sending signals.