A resting potential is:
A)an electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron
B)the small gap that exists between adjacent neurons
C)an electrical signal that travels along the dendrites of a neuron
D)the tiny electrical charge that exists when a neuron is neither receiving nor sending information

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A resting potential is the tiny electrical charge that exists when a neuron is not actively sending or receiving information. This potential is maintained by the selective permeability of the neuron's membrane to different ions. Positive ions, such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+), are held outside of the neuron's membrane while negative ions, such as chloride (Cl-) and organic anions, are held inside the membrane. This separation of charges results in a negative charge inside the neuron, which is approximately -70 millivolts. This negative resting potential is important for allowing the neuron to quickly activate and transmit electrical signals when needed.

A Resting Potential Is