Lexic.us

Definition of Resting potential

1. Noun. The potential difference between the two sides of the membrane of a nerve cell when the cell is not conducting an impulse.

Definition of Resting potential

1. Noun. (context: cytology) The nearly latent membrane potential of inactive cells. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Medical Definition of Resting potential

1. The electrical potential of the inside of a cell, relative to its surroundings. Almost all animal cells are negative inside, resting potentials are in the range 20 to 100mV, 70mV typical. Resting potentials reflect the action of the sodium pump only indirectly, they are mainly caused by the subsequent diffusion of potassium out of the cell through potassium leak channels. The resting potential is thus close to the Nernst potential for potassium. See: action potential. (10 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Resting Potential

Literary usage of Resting potential

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine (1903)
"... upon the rising phase of slow fluctuations in the resting potential. ... period of time no change was observed in the value of the resting potential. ..."

2. Science by American Association for the Advancement of Science (1883)
"The average resting potential (± standard error of the mean) of seven cells ... Under a hydrostatic head of 50 cm of water, the resting potential in two ..."

3. Biographical Memoirs by National Academy Of Sciences, National Academy of Sciences Staff, Caroline K. McEuen (1980)
"This is the so-called "resting" potential. In certain cells like nerve cells, this potential may be quickly altered and restored again, ..."

Other Resources: