Chapter 12 - Section 12.4 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 471: 1

Electrical Potential: Electrical potential, also known as electric potential or simply potential, is a concept in physics and electrochemistry that describes the electric potential energy per unit charge at a specific point in space. It is a scalar quantity, typically measured in volts (V). Electric potential represents the electric potential energy that a positive test charge would have if placed at that point in an electric field, with respect to a reference point (usually infinity). Resting Membrane Potential (RMP): Resting membrane potential (RMP) is a term used in the context of cell physiology, especially in neurons and muscle cells. It refers to the difference in electrical potential across the cell membrane when the cell is at rest, meaning it is not actively transmitting electrical signals (such as action potentials). The RMP is essential for the normal functioning of excitable cells like neurons and muscle cells because it sets the stage for the rapid changes in membrane potential that occur during the generation of action potentials. The typical voltage of the resting membrane potential for most neurons is approximately -70 millivolts (mV) relative to the outside of the cell. This means that the inside of the neuron is about 70 mV more negative than the outside. The RMP is primarily maintained by the differential distribution of ions (such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium) across the cell membrane through ion channels and pumps, especially the sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+ pump). The RMP is crucial for various cellular processes, including the ability of neurons to transmit electrical signals and the control of muscle cell contraction. Changes in the resting membrane potential play a pivotal role in cellular excitability and signal transmission. When an excitatory stimulus causes the membrane potential to become less negative (depolarization), it can trigger an action potential and the propagation of electrical signals in neurons. Conversely, hyperpolarization (making the membrane potential more negative) inhibits the generation of action potentials. In summary, electrical potential is a general concept related to the electric potential energy at a point in space, measured in volts, while the resting membrane potential is a specific application of this concept in cell physiology, representing the voltage difference across the cell membrane when a neuron or muscle cell is at rest, typically around -70 mV.

Electrical Potential: Electrical potential, also known as electric potential or simply potential, is a concept in physics and electrochemistry that describes the electric potential energy per unit charge at a specific point in space. It is a scalar quantity, typically measured in volts (V). Electric potential represents the electric potential energy that a positive test charge would have if placed at that point in an electric field, with respect to a reference point (usually infinity). Resting Membrane Potential (RMP): Resting membrane potential (RMP) is a term used in the context of cell physiology, especially in neurons and muscle cells. It refers to the difference in electrical potential across the cell membrane when the cell is at rest, meaning it is not actively transmitting electrical signals (such as action potentials). The RMP is essential for the normal functioning of excitable cells like neurons and muscle cells because it sets the stage for the rapid changes in membrane potential that occur during the generation of action potentials. The typical voltage of the resting membrane potential for most neurons is approximately -70 millivolts (mV) relative to the outside of the cell. This means that the inside of the neuron is about 70 mV more negative than the outside. The RMP is primarily maintained by the differential distribution of ions (such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium) across the cell membrane through ion channels and pumps, especially the sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+ pump). The RMP is crucial for various cellular processes, including the ability of neurons to transmit electrical signals and the control of muscle cell contraction. Changes in the resting membrane potential play a pivotal role in cellular excitability and signal transmission. When an excitatory stimulus causes the membrane potential to become less negative (depolarization), it can trigger an action potential and the propagation of electrical signals in neurons. Conversely, hyperpolarization (making the membrane potential more negative) inhibits the generation of action potentials. In summary, electrical potential is a general concept related to the electric potential energy at a point in space, measured in volts, while the resting membrane potential is a specific application of this concept in cell physiology, representing the voltage difference across the cell membrane when a neuron or muscle cell is at rest, typically around -70 mV.