Chapter 10.3, Problem 7QC

Summary Introduction

To review:

The importance of ionic movement across the plasma membrane; and also, the direction in which the ions move during each phase of the action potential.

Introduction:

Sodium ions (Na⁺) and potassium ions (K⁺) are the two types of ions that are involved in the generation of potential in a resting membrane. The cytosol possesses a high concentration of K⁺, whereas the concentration of Na⁺ is more in ECF (extracellular fluid). This ionic distribution is maintained by a Na⁺/K⁺ transporter pump, which utilizes energy released by hydrolysis of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).