The interior of a neuron at rest
A) has the same ionic concentrations as the outside.
B) is at the same voltage potential as the outside.
C) has a higher sodium concentration than outside.
D) is negatively charged relative to the outside.
E) has a lower potassium concentration than outside.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The interior of a neuron at rest is negatively charged relative to the outside. This is due to the distribution of ions across the cell membrane, with positively charged sodium and calcium ions being more concentrated outside the cell, and negatively charged potassium ions being more concentrated inside the cell. This creates an electrochemical gradient that favors the movement of potassium ions out of the cell and the movement of sodium and calcium ions into the cell, resulting in a negative resting membrane potential.

The Interior of a Neuron at Rest