Depolarization
Depolarization is a key term in the field of medicine and biology, particularly in the study of neuroscience and cardiology.
Pronunciation
Depolarization: /diːˌpəʊləraɪˈzeɪʃən/
Etymology
The term "Depolarization" is derived from the prefix 'de-', meaning 'undoing of', and 'polarization'. Polarization refers to the state of having distinct and opposite poles. Thus, depolarization essentially means the undoing of this state of polarity.
Definition
Depolarization in the context of neuroscience and cardiology refers to the change in a cell's membrane potential that makes it more positive, or less negative. This is a crucial process in the transmission of neural signals and the contraction of heart muscles.
Process
Depolarization typically begins when positively charged sodium ions rush into a neuron through open sodium channels. This influx of positive charges makes the inside of the neuron less negatively charged relative to the outside, leading to depolarization. This process is a critical step in the generation of an action potential, which is the neuron's way of transmitting information.
Related Terms
- Hyperpolarization: The opposite of depolarization, this is when the membrane potential becomes more negative.
- Repolarization: The process by which the membrane potential returns to its resting state after depolarization.
- Action Potential: The change in electrical potential that occurs when a nerve cell is stimulated, involving depolarization and repolarization.
- Membrane Potential: The difference in electric potential between the interior and the exterior of a biological cell.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Depolarization
- Wikipedia's article - Depolarization
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