key term - Membrane potential

Definition

Membrane potential is the electrical voltage difference across a cell's plasma membrane, crucial for the conduction of action potentials in neurons. It arises due to the differential distribution of ions (such as sodium and potassium) across the membrane.

Related terms

Action Potential:

An action potential is a rapid rise and fall in membrane potential that occurs when a neuron sends information down an axon.

Ion Channels:

Ion channels are protein structures in cell membranes that allow ions to pass into or out of cells, playing a key role in establishing and changing membrane potentials.

Resting Potential:

The resting potential is the membrane potential of a neuron when it is not actively transmitting signals, typically around -70 mV in most neurons