ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -A neuron at rest is negatively charged: the inside of a cell is approximately 70 millivolts more negative than the outside (−70 mV, note that this number varies by neuron type and by species).

Detailed explanation-2: -So, when an axon is at rest, the anions give it a negative charge, the sodium pumps keep sodium out and potassium in, and the sodium gates and potassium gates are all closed. Because of the positive-negative difference between the inside and outside, this resting state is called a resting potential.

Detailed explanation-3: -At rest, a typical neuron has a resting potential (potential across the membrane) of −60 to −70 millivolts. This means that the interior of the cell is negatively charged relative to the outside.

Detailed explanation-4: -When axons are not conducting impulses (action potentials or depolarization events), they are said to be “at rest”. Unlike the term implies, resting neurons actually expend a lot of energy (ATP) distributing ions to both sides of the axon membrane.

Detailed explanation-5: -Positive charges exist on the outside of the axon and negative charges on the inside.