GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The inside of the neuron is more negatively charged than the outside. Figure 4.1. For a typical neuron at rest, sodium, chloride, and calcium are concentrated outside the cell, whereas potassium and other anions are concentrated inside. This ion distribution leads to a negative resting membrane potential .

Detailed explanation-2: -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-3: -Where does the resting membrane potential come from? The resting membrane potential is determined by the uneven distribution of ions (charged particles) between the inside and the outside of the cell, and by the different permeability of the membrane to different types of ions.

Detailed explanation-4: -At normal resting membrane potential, sodium is forced outwards and potassium is carry into the cells (see Fig. 2.4). This requires the sodium-potassium exchange pump, which uses ATP in order to operate. Three intracellular sodium ions will be exchanged for every two extracellular potassium ions.