Generation of Nerve Impulse (Resting Membrane Potential)
Explains the establishment and maintenance of the resting potential across the neuronal membrane due to differential ion distribution and permeability.
What is Generation of Nerve Impulse (Resting Membrane Potential)?
The electrical potential difference across the plasma membrane of a neuron or muscle cell when it is not stimulated or transmitting an impulse.
Key points
- Define resting membrane potential.
- Explain the role of the Na+-K+ pump in establishing ion gradients.
- Describe the selective permeability of the neuronal membrane at rest.
- Identify the primary ion responsible for the negative charge inside the neuron.
Common exam trap
Confusing the direction of ion movement by the Na+-K+ pump (3 Na+ out, 2 K+ in).
Definitions
- Term
Resting Membrane Potential (RMP)
- Meaning
The electrical potential difference across the plasma membrane of a neuron or muscle cell when it is not stimulated or transmitting an impulse.
- Term
Sodium-Potassium Pump (Na+-K+ ATPase)
- Meaning
An active transporter protein that moves sodium ions out of a cell and potassium ions into the cell against their respective concentration gradients, using ATP as an energy source.
- Term
Ion Channels
- Meaning
Pore-forming proteins that allow ions to pass through the cell membrane, exhibiting selectivity for specific ions.
- Term
Selective Permeability
- Meaning
The property of a membrane that allows certain molecules or ions to pass through it by means of active or passive transport.
Learning objectives
Define resting membrane potential.
Explain the role of the Na+-K+ pump in establishing ion gradients.
Describe the selective permeability of the neuronal membrane at rest.
Identify the primary ion responsible for the negative charge inside the neuron.
Quantify the typical value of the resting membrane potential.
Prerequisites
Cell membrane structure and function
Diffusion and active transport
Concentration gradients
Ions (Na+, K+)
Membrane potential basics
Common mistakes
Confusing the direction of ion movement by the Na+-K+ pump (3 Na+ out, 2 K+ in).
Underestimating the role of K+ leak channels compared to Na+ leak channels.
Forgetting that RMP is a *resting* state, not an active signal transmission state.
Attributing RMP solely to the Na+-K+ pump without considering permeability.
Keywords
Resting Membrane Potential
Neuron
Nerve Impulse
Sodium-Potassium Pump
Ion Channels
Membrane Permeability
Polarization
Electrophysiology
Action Potential
Practice preview
What is the primary function of the Na+/K+ pump in maintaining the resting membrane potential?…
easy
Which of the following statements about the generation and maintenance of resting membrane potential is INCORRECT?…
hard
Besides ion gradients and selective permeability, what other factor contributes to the negative charge inside a resting neuron?…
medium