Chapter 12.7, Problem 26LO

Summary Introduction

To explain: The way in which the resting membrane potential is established and maintained in neurons.

Concept introduction: When a neuron does not respond to the impulses or signals of other neurons, the neuron is said to be at resting potential. In the resting phase, the voltage-gated ion channels open to facilitate the movement of sodium and potassium ions across the membrane. When the neuron is at rest, more sodium ions are accumulated outside the cell membrane than the potassium ions inside the cell membrane. As a result, the cytosol is relatively negative than the interstitial fluid (IF) outside of the cell. This unequal distribution of positive and negative charge across the cell membrane is known as resting membrane potential (RMP).