When there is a negative charge inside an axon and a...

When there is a negative charge inside an axon and a positive charge outside it, the neuron is
a. in the process of reuptake.
b. not in the refractory period.
c. said to have a resting potential.
d. said to have an action potential.
e. depolarizing

Key Concepts

Membrane Potential

Membrane potential refers to the voltage difference between the interior and exterior of a cell, established by the uneven distribution of ions across the cell membrane. This difference is crucial for the functionality of neurons, muscle cells, and many other cell types.

Resting Membrane Potential

The resting membrane potential is the stable, baseline voltage difference across a neuron's membrane when it is not actively transmitting an electrical signal. Typically, the inside of the neuron is negatively charged relative to the outside, a condition maintained by ion pumps and channels.

Action Potential

An action potential is a rapid, temporary reversal of the membrane potential that travels along the neuron. It is initiated when the membrane is sufficiently depolarized, triggering a cascade of ion channel openings that momentarily invert the usual charge distribution.

Depolarization

Depolarization is the process by which the cell's membrane potential becomes less negative, moving closer to zero. This change is a key step in the initiation of an action potential, as it brings the membrane potential closer to the threshold needed to trigger the full action potential.

Refractory Period

The refractory period is the phase following an action potential during which a neuron is less responsive or completely unresponsive to further stimulation. This period ensures the unidirectional propagation of the action potential and regulates the frequency of neuronal firing.

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