Nerve Physiology

Neha Dhobale
Karishma Gavli
 Resting Membrane Potential
Resting membrane potential is
defined as electrical potential
difference across the cell
membrane under resting
condition.
Also called as membrane
potential, transmembrane
potential difference or trans
membrane potential gradient.
The resting membrane potential
in the nerve fiber is 70mV.
 Action Potential
Action potential is
defined as a wave of
electrical discharge
that travels along the
membrane of the cell.
The action potential
occurs in two phases:
1. Depolarization.
2. Repolarization.
 Depolarization-

When the impulse reaches the nerve, the

polarized condition (-70mV) is altered i.e.
the resting membrane potential is abolished.
Interior of the nerve fiber becomes positive
and outside becomes negative.
This condition is called depolarization.
 Repolarization-

Within a short time, the potential reverses

back to the resting membrane potential.
Interior of the muscle becomes negative and
outside becomes positive.
So, the polarized state of the muscle is re-
established.
This process is called repolarization.
 Action Potential Curve
When nerve is
stimulated a series of
changes occur in the
membrane potential.
They are-
-Stimulus artifact
-Latent period
-Firing level and
depolarization
-Overshoot
-After depolarization
-After hyper
polarization.
Stimulus Artifact
On application of a stimulus a slight irregular
deflection of baseline is observed for a very short period.
This is called stimulus artifact. It is due to leakage of current
from stimulating electrode to the recording electrode.
Latent Period
The stimulus artifact is followed y a short period
without ay change called as latent period which lasts for
about 0.5 to 1 millisecond.
Firing Level ad Depolarization
Depolarization starts after latent period. After slow
initial depolarization for about 15mV(upto 55mV), the rate
of depolarization increases suddenly. This point is called
firing level.
Overshoot
From firing level, the curve reaches the isoelectric potential
rapidly and the overshoots beyond the zero potential upto
+35mV.

Repolarization
On completion of depolarization at +35mV, repolarization
starts. Initially, its rapid then it becomes slow.

After Depolarization
The rapid fall in the repolarization is followed by slow
repolarization and is called after depolarization or negative
after potential and it lasts for 2 to 4 milliseconds.
After Hyperpolarization
After reaching the resting level it becomes more negative than
resting level. This is called after hyper polarization or positive
after potential at it lasts for 50 milliseconds. After this normal
RMP is restored.
The End

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