EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -When a neuron is at a resting phase i.e., it is not conducting any impulse, the axonal membrane is comparatively more permeable to potassium ions (K+) and impermeable to sodium ions (Na+) and to negatively charged proteins present in the axoplasm .

Detailed explanation-2: -A neuron at rest is negatively charged because the inside of a cell is approximately 70 millivolts more negative than the outside (−70 mV); this number varies by neuron type and by species.

Detailed explanation-3: -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-4: -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-5: -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.