The question "more resting membrane potential" likely refers to what happens when the RMP becomes more negative (hyperpolarization) or less negative (depolarization). Here's a comprehensive explanation:
Resting Membrane Potential (RMP) — What It Is
The resting membrane potential is the electrical charge difference across the membrane of excitable cells (nerve and muscle) between action potentials. By convention, it is expressed as the intracellular potential relative to extracellular fluid.
- Normal RMP of large nerve fibers: −70 mV (inside is more negative than outside)
- Range for most excitable cells: −70 to −80 mV
The inside of the cell is negatively charged at rest relative to the outside.
What Determines the RMP?
| Factor | Role |
|---|
| K⁺ permeability | High at rest → K⁺ leaks out → inside becomes negative |
| Na⁺ permeability | Low at rest → minimal Na⁺ influx |
| Na⁺–K⁺ ATPase pump | Pumps 3 Na⁺ out for every 2 K⁺ in → electrogenic, maintains gradients |
| Cl⁻ permeability | Also high → follows electrochemical gradient |
The RMP is mainly driven by K⁺ diffusion potential (K⁺ inside:outside ratio = 35:1), giving a Nernst potential of ~−94 mV. Na⁺ leakage slightly pulls it toward less negative, settling the actual RMP at ~−70 mV.
— Costanzo Physiology 7th Edition | Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology
What Does "More" RMP Mean?
🔵 More Negative RMP = Hyperpolarization
If the RMP becomes more negative (e.g., −90 mV instead of −70 mV):
- The cell is harder to excite — it needs a bigger stimulus to reach the threshold for an action potential
- Caused by: increased K⁺ permeability, increased Cl⁻ permeability, decreased Na⁺ permeability, or enhanced Na⁺–K⁺ pump activity
- Clinical examples: effect of certain anesthetics, high extracellular K⁺ depletion (hypokalemia)
🔴 Less Negative RMP = Depolarization
If the RMP becomes less negative (e.g., −50 mV instead of −70 mV):
- The cell is closer to threshold → easier to fire an action potential
- Caused by: increased Na⁺ or Ca²⁺ permeability, decreased K⁺ permeability
- Clinical examples: hyperkalemia (elevated extracellular K⁺ reduces K⁺ gradient → depolarizes cells → initially more excitable, then inexcitable)
Key Takeaway
| Change | Term | Effect on Excitability |
|---|
| RMP becomes more negative | Hyperpolarization | ↓ Excitability (harder to fire) |
| RMP becomes less negative | Depolarization | ↑ Excitability initially, then ↓ if threshold is not reset |
| Reaches threshold (~−55 mV) | Action potential fired | Cell transmits a signal |
In summary: the more negative the RMP, the more hyperpolarized the cell, and the harder it is to trigger an action potential. The closer the RMP is to the threshold potential, the more excitable the cell.