The unequal concentrations of potassium, sodium and chloride in the nervous system are partially maintained by:
A)chloride/protein pumps within individual neurons
B)sodium/potassium pumps within individual neurons
C)the neurotransmitters within the nervous system
D)synaptic depolarization

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sodium/potassium pumps are integral membrane proteins that use ATP to move sodium ions out of cells and potassium ions into cells, thus maintaining the unequal concentrations of sodium and potassium inside and outside of neurons. This process helps to establish the resting membrane potential of neurons, which is essential for their normal function. Chloride/protein pumps and neurotransmitters also play important roles in regulating the concentrations of these ions, but they do not primarily maintain the unequal concentrations. Similarly, synaptic depolarization is a consequence of changes in the membrane potential due to the movement of ions, but it does not directly maintain the unequal concentrations of potassium, sodium, and chloride.

The Unequal Concentrations of Potassium, Sodium and Chloride in the Nervous