depolarization
Definition
Depolarization is the process during which a neuron's normally negative resting membrane potential becomes less negative, reaching a positive value. This change is crucial for the initiation and propagation of action potentials along the neuron.
Analogy
Imagine depolarization as a domino effect in a line of dominoes. Initially, all dominoes (neurons) are standing still (at rest with a negative charge). When one domino is flicked (stimulus), it knocks over the next, causing each subsequent domino to fall (the membrane potential becomes less negative and then positive), propagating the wave of movement (action potential) across the entire line.
Related terms
Action Potential: A rapid rise and subsequent fall in voltage or membrane potential across a cellular membrane due to stimulated activity.
Resting Membrane Potential: The electrical charge difference across the neuronal membrane when the neuron is not actively sending an action potential, typically around -70mV.
Repolarization: The process following depolarization where the cell's membrane potential returns to its resting negative value
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