Master Neuron Resting Potential with Picmonic for Pre-Health

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Recommended Picmonics

Electrical Synapse

Chemical Synapse

Neuron Action Potential Initiation

Neuron Action Potential Propagation

Neuron Resting Potential

Neuron-Guy Resting on Compressed P-springs

Picmonic

Neuron resting potential describes the maintenance of a resting potential state in neurons prior to action potential generation. Initially, there is more sodium outside of the cell and more potassium inside the cell. These salt concentration gradients are maintained by a sodium-potassium pump that uses ATP to pump three sodium out of the cell for every two potassium pumped in. However, potassium also leaks out of the cell across the concentration gradient through leaky potassium channels. The voltage at resting potential is -70 millivolts. At that level, voltage-gated sodium channels are closed. When the channels open, they allow sodium influx, which triggers depolarization and action potential generation.

6 KEY FACTS

There is a higher concentration of sodium outside of the cell membrane of neurons than inside the cell membrane.

The sodium potassium pump is an ATP-based pump that sends three sodium out of the cell for every two potassium sent in. Because the pump transports salts against the gradient, it requires ATP to function. The salts travel by active transport.

Potassium leaks out of the cell through potassium channels, which is movement with the concentration gradient.

There is a higher concentration of potassium inside the cell membrane of neurons than outside.

The voltage of the cell at resting potential is about -70 millivolts.

At the resting potential, voltage-gated sodium channels are closed, which prevents sodium from flooding into the cell and causing depolarization.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Take the Neuron Resting Potential Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

See more reviews

Picmonic for Pre-Health Covers

Pre-Health
200+ Videos
1,000+ Facts

*Average video play time: 2-3 minutes

Anatomy:
50+ Videos

Biochemistry and Genetics:
30+ Videos

Biology:
30+ Videos

Chemistry:
3 Videos

Human Physiology:
60+ Videos

Microbiology:
1 Video

Physics:
6 Videos

Psychology:
30+ Videos

Search for a specific Video or category now!

Or create your own Picmonic

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Ace Your Pre-Health Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,880,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Pre-Health student study app.

Picmonic for Pre-Health covers information that is relevant to your entire Pre-Health education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the MCAT, we’re here to help.