The resting membrane potential is typically around what value?

The resting membrane potential is typically around what value?

• A. -60 mV
• B. -65 mV
• C. -70 mV
• D. -75 mV

Answer: (B)

Resting membrane potential is the steady electrical difference across a neuron's membrane when it’s not sending a signal. It comes from the uneven ion distribution and the membrane’s permeability, especially to potassium. The membrane is more permeable to K+, so potassium tends to leak out, making the inside more negative. The Na+/K+ pump helps maintain the gradients that support this state. In many neurons, this balance settles around -65 mV, a value commonly used to represent the resting state. Exact numbers can vary with cell type and conditions, but -65 mV captures the typical resting potential for neurons.

Resting membrane potential is the steady electrical difference across a neuron's membrane when it’s not sending a signal. It comes from the uneven ion distribution and the membrane’s permeability, especially to potassium. The membrane is more permeable to K+, so potassium tends to leak out, making the inside more negative. The Na+/K+ pump helps maintain the gradients that support this state. In many neurons, this balance settles around -65 mV, a value commonly used to represent the resting state. Exact numbers can vary with cell type and conditions, but -65 mV captures the typical resting potential for neurons.