What is the resting membrane potential of a typical neuron?

The resting membrane potential of a typical neuron is approximately -70mV. This negative value indicates that the inside of the neuron is more negative compared to the outside, creating an electrical gradient. This difference in charge across the membrane is primarily maintained by the sodium-potassium pump and the permeability of the neuron's membrane to various ions, particularly potassium and sodium.

At rest, the neuron maintains a balance of ions, with a higher concentration of potassium ions (K+) inside the cell and sodium ions (Na+) outside. The selective permeability of the neuronal membrane to potassium allows some potassium to leak out, contributing to the negative charge inside. This resting state is crucial for the generation and propagation of action potentials when the neuron is stimulated.

Understanding the resting membrane potential is fundamental in neurophysiology, as it sets the stage for excitatory and inhibitory signals that neurons receive and transmit.