depolarization

bioelectricity

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circulatory system

dipole current source

  • electric force between two charges
    In electricity: Bioelectric effects

    This sequence, called depolarization and repolarization, is accompanied by a flow of substantial current through the active cell membrane, so that a “dipole-current source” exists for a short period. Small currents flow from this source through the aqueous medium containing the cell and are detectable at considerable distances…

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muscle contraction

  • striated muscle; human biceps muscle
    In muscle: Release of acetylcholine from the nerve terminal

    The channels are opened by depolarization (an increase in membrane potential) of the nerve terminal membrane and selectively allow the passage of calcium ions.

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  • striated muscle; human biceps muscle
    In muscle: The frequency of contraction

    …the resting membrane potential is depolarized to a critical potential (Ecrit), a self-generating action potential follows, leading to muscle contraction. Phase 0, the upstroke, is associated with a sudden increase in membrane permeability to Na+. Phases 1, 2, and 3 result from changes in membrane permeability and conductance to Na+,…

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nervous system

  • neuron; conduction of the action potential
    In nervous system: The neuronal membrane

    …it less negative is called depolarization.

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  • neuron; conduction of the action potential
    In nervous system: Depolarization

    Because it varies in amplitude, the local potential is said to be graded. The greater the influx of positive charge—and, consequently, depolarization of the membrane—the higher the grade. Beginning at the resting potential of a neuron (for instance, −75 mV), a local potential can…

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  • neuron; conduction of the action potential
    In nervous system: Postsynaptic potential

    …most common potential change is depolarization, caused by a net influx of cations (usually Na+). Because this infusion of positive charge brings the membrane potential toward the threshold at which the nerve impulse is generated, it is called an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP). Other neurotransmitters stimulate a net efflux of…

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physiological response of photoreceptors

  • details of the mammalian eye
    In photoreception: Neural transmission

    The depolarization is brought about by the entry of sodium and calcium ions that results from the opening of membrane channels. The biochemistry of the transducer pathway is not entirely clear; some proposed models envision a somewhat different pathway from that in vertebrates. Rhodopsin isomerization activates…

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postsynaptic potential occurrence

  • In postsynaptic potential

    Depolarization—a decrease in negative charge—constitutes an excitatory PSP because, if the neuron reaches the critical threshold potential, it can excite the generation of a nerve impulse (action potential).

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resting potential