Depolarization is the process during which a neuron's normally negative resting membrane potential becomes less negative, reaching a positive value. This change is crucial for the initiation and propagation of action potentials along the neuron.
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Action Potential: A rapid rise and subsequent fall in voltage or membrane potential across a cellular membrane due to stimulated activity.
Resting Membrane Potential: The electrical charge difference across the neuronal membrane when the neuron is not actively sending an action potential, typically around -70mV.
Repolarization: The process following depolarization where the cell's membrane potential returns to its resting negative value