RESTING POTENTIALS Meaning and
Definition
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Resting potentials refer to the electrical potential difference or voltage that exists across the membrane of an excitable cell when it is not actively sending signals or engaged in an action potential. It is the baseline electrical charge that exists when a cell is at rest.
Resting potentials are primarily observed in neurons and muscle cells. In neurons, the resting potential typically ranges from -60 millivolts to -70 millivolts. This electrical charge is maintained by the unequal distribution of ions across the cell membrane. The primary contributors to the resting potential are the concentration gradients of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and chloride (Cl-) ions.
At rest, there are more sodium ions outside the cell than inside, and more potassium ions inside the cell than outside. This is due to the action of the sodium-potassium pump, which actively moves three sodium ions out of the cell for every two potassium ions it pumps into the cell. This creates an overall negative charge inside the cell relative to the extracellular fluid.
The resting potential plays a crucial role in enabling the generation and transmission of action potentials. It provides a polarized environment that allows for the rapid and efficient propagation of electrical signals along the length of the neuron. Alterations in resting potentials can impact neuronal excitability and information processing, ultimately influencing various physiological functions in the body.
Common Misspellings for RESTING POTENTIALS
- eesting potentials
- desting potentials
- festing potentials
- testing potentials
- 5esting potentials
- 4esting potentials
- rwsting potentials
- rssting potentials
- rdsting potentials
- rrsting potentials
- r4sting potentials
- r3sting potentials
- reating potentials
- rezting potentials
- rexting potentials
- redting potentials
- reeting potentials
- rewting potentials
- resring potentials
- resfing potentials
Etymology of RESTING POTENTIALS
The term "resting potentials" has its etymology rooted in the field of neurophysiology.
Firstly, "resting" comes from the verb "rest", which originated from the Old English word "restan". It originally referred to a state of relaxation, cessation from work or activity, or being at peace. In the context of neurons or cells, "resting" refers to their state of relative inactivity or lack of stimulation.
On the other hand, "potentials" is derived from the Latin noun "potentialis", which means "possible" or "capable of". The term "potential" is used in various scientific contexts to denote the capacity or ability that something possesses. In the case of neurons, "potentials" refers to the electrical potential or voltage difference across their cell membranes.
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