Resting Membrane Potential

Definition

Resting membrane potential is the electrical potential difference across the plasma membrane of a neuron or muscle cell when it is not actively transmitting a signal. This potential typically ranges from -70 to -90 mV, largely maintained by the distribution of ions, especially sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and chloride (Cl-) across the membrane. Understanding resting membrane potential is crucial as it establishes the conditions necessary for action potentials, which are fundamental to bioelectric signaling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The resting membrane potential is primarily determined by the permeability of the cell membrane to potassium ions, which are more concentrated inside the cell compared to outside.
2. Sodium-potassium pumps actively transport three sodium ions out of the cell and two potassium ions into the cell, contributing to the negative charge inside the cell.
3. Resting membrane potential is critical for excitable tissues like neurons and muscles as it prepares them for rapid changes in potential during signaling.
4. Changes in resting membrane potential can result from alterations in ion concentration or permeability, influencing the excitability of cells.
5. The concept of resting membrane potential is essential for understanding various physiological processes, including muscle contractions and neurotransmission.

Review Questions

• How does the distribution of ions contribute to resting membrane potential?
  • The distribution of ions across the cell membrane plays a crucial role in establishing resting membrane potential. Potassium ions are predominantly found inside the cell, while sodium ions are more abundant outside. The selective permeability of the membrane allows potassium ions to flow out of the cell more easily than sodium can enter, leading to a net negative charge inside. This imbalance creates an electrical gradient that defines resting membrane potential, generally around -70 mV.
• Discuss the significance of ion channels in maintaining resting membrane potential and how they might be affected by pharmacological agents.
  • Ion channels are essential for maintaining resting membrane potential because they regulate the movement of specific ions across the cell membrane. For instance, potassium channels allow K+ to flow out, helping sustain the negative charge within the cell. Pharmacological agents can modulate these channels, either enhancing or inhibiting their function. This modulation can alter resting membrane potential and influence cellular excitability, impacting processes like muscle contractions or nerve signaling.
• Evaluate how changes in resting membrane potential can impact overall cellular function and lead to pathophysiological conditions.
  • Changes in resting membrane potential can significantly impact cellular function by altering excitability and responsiveness. For example, if resting membrane potential becomes less negative (depolarization), neurons may become hyperexcitable, leading to conditions such as epilepsy. Conversely, if resting membrane potential becomes too negative (hyperpolarization), it may result in reduced excitability, affecting muscle contractions or neurotransmitter release. These shifts can lead to various pathophysiological conditions, highlighting the importance of maintaining proper ion balance and membrane potential.

Related terms

Action Potential: A rapid change in membrane potential that occurs when a neuron or muscle cell becomes depolarized, leading to the transmission of an electrical signal.

Ion Channels: Protein structures embedded in the cell membrane that allow specific ions to pass in and out of the cell, playing a key role in establishing and altering membrane potentials.

Nernst Equation: A mathematical formula used to calculate the equilibrium potential for a specific ion, helping to understand how different ion concentrations affect resting membrane potential.