resting membrane potential. - upward09

[ArchivalUser]

I'm a bit confused on the concept below. please clarify.

Assuming the resting membrane potential of a nerve is -60mV, when is it increased (more difficult to stimulate an action potential)............is it when its -80mV or when its -40mV?

[ArchivalUser]

someone please respond!!

[ArchivalUser]

if its increased from -60 it should go close to zero ...or positive..
but if its difficult to stimilate then its hyperpolarized ,, more negative than -60..

[ArchivalUser]

thanks Sam82.

[ArchivalUser]

Sam82 is right, the more negative the Resting Membrane Potential, the harder it is to stimulate b/c it requires a stronger impulse for it to surpass the threshold. If the RMP is less negative, it is easier to stimulate b/c of its proximity to the threshold.