Depolarisation
When something is polarised its ends are oppositely charged. So, depolarisation is when the difference is balanced, the ends no longer have different charges.
A depolarised neuron is when the cells membrane potentail becomes more postive. This occurs when the cell is stimulated; the membrane becomes more permeable to sodium gated ion channels allowing them to move into the cell, making it less negative. [1]
An example of depolarisation is when the sodium voltage-gated ion channels open in the neuronal membrane to undo the polarisation of the resting membrane potential.
References
- ↑ West One. A depolarised neuron (a stimulated neuron). [ONLINE] Available at: http://tle.westone.wa.gov.au/content/file/969144ed-0d3b-fa04-2e88-8b23de2a630c/1/human_bio_science_3b.zip/content/002_nervous_control/page_11.htm. [Accessed 23 November 14].