Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System

Resting Membrane Potential

Anatomy & Physiology

11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System

Resting Membrane Potential

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Problem 14c

Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
The Na⁺/K⁺ pumps and gated channels maintain the Na⁺ and K⁺ gradients necessary for action potentials to occur.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of the Na+/K+ pump: The Na+/K+ pump is a membrane protein that actively transports sodium (Na⁺) out of the cell and potassium (K⁺) into the cell against their concentration gradients using ATP. This establishes and maintains the resting membrane potential, which is essential for action potentials.

Understand the role of gated channels: Gated channels (e.g., voltage-gated Na⁺ and K⁺ channels) are responsible for the rapid changes in ion permeability during an action potential. They open and close in response to specific stimuli, allowing ions to flow down their concentration gradients.

Evaluate the statement: The statement claims that both the Na⁺/K⁺ pumps and gated channels maintain the Na⁺ and K⁺ gradients necessary for action potentials. While the Na⁺/K⁺ pump maintains the ion gradients, gated channels do not maintain these gradients but instead facilitate ion movement during the action potential.

Correct the false part of the statement: The corrected statement should read: 'The Na⁺/K⁺ pumps maintain the Na⁺ and K⁺ gradients necessary for action potentials to occur, while gated channels facilitate the movement of these ions during the action potential.'

Summarize the key takeaway: The Na⁺/K⁺ pump is responsible for maintaining the resting ion gradients, and gated channels are involved in the dynamic changes during the action potential itself.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Na+/K+ Pump

The Na+/K+ pump is a vital membrane protein that actively transports sodium (Na+) out of the cell and potassium (K+) into the cell, using ATP for energy. This process is essential for maintaining the electrochemical gradients of these ions across the cell membrane, which are crucial for various cellular functions, including the generation of action potentials in neurons.

Action Potential

An action potential is a rapid, temporary change in the membrane potential of a neuron, allowing it to transmit signals. It occurs when a threshold level of depolarization is reached, leading to the opening of voltage-gated sodium channels, followed by the opening of potassium channels to repolarize the membrane. The Na+/K+ pump helps restore the resting membrane potential after an action potential.

Gated Channels

Gated channels are specialized protein structures in the cell membrane that open or close in response to specific stimuli, such as changes in voltage or the binding of a molecule. In the context of action potentials, voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels play a critical role in the rapid depolarization and repolarization phases, respectively, allowing for the propagation of electrical signals along neurons.

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Multiple Choice

In a neuron, a membrane potential of –90 mV is considered __________.

Which of the following statements best describes the resting membrane state in the neuron?

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The resting membrane potential refers to the voltage difference across the membranes of excitable cells at rest.

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Textbook Question

A hypothetical poison blocks K⁺ leak channels. How would this affect the resting membrane potential of skeletal muscle fibers? Explain your reasoning.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

A depolarization is a change in membrane potential that makes the potential less negative.

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the MOST important factor in generating resting membrane potential?

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