Principles of Anatomy and Physiology 14e with Atlas of the Skeleton Set (14th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11877-456-6
ISBN 13: 978-1-11877-456-4

Chapter 12 - Nervous Tissue - Figure 12.13 - Page 415: 1

Answer

More Na+ ions would leak into the cell than the number of K+ ions that would leak out. As a consequence, the inside of the cell would grow increasingly more positive with respect to the exterior --ISF.

Work Step by Step

As the inside of the cell got more negative the membrane potential of the neuron would move towards threshold value-- from -70 mV to -55 mV( threshold). As the AP is triggered, the membrane potential may even become positive ( +30 mV). Normally, the neuron ejects more K+ ions than the number of Na+ ions that it brings in per unit time. As a result, the cell remains polarized, unless some event alters the relative rates of influx and egress of Na+ and K+ ions.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.