1
$\begingroup$

Some books show the resting potential of neurons as -65mV, such as Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain, Fourth Edition (2016, published by Wolters Kluwer).

Graph from page 84, showing the resting potential at -65

However, a majority of internet sites, including Wikipedia, show the resting potential as -70mV.

Which one of these is the correct value, and why is there this small difference?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
3
  • $\begingroup$ This seems a rather specialized question. Why are you concerned about what you admit is a small difference? Does it have any practical relevence to your work? We would be interested to know. $\endgroup$
    – David
    May 3, 2019 at 12:45
  • $\begingroup$ @David I was just reading about the resting potential of the neurons in the book mentioned above.The book uses -65mV in all the pages ,when i checked the internet ,it is -70mV everywhere.So i was curious. $\endgroup$
    – Rahul.In
    May 4, 2019 at 14:50
  • $\begingroup$ @David Why are you concerned about what you admit is a small difference? I am new to the field so i was confused. ** Does it have any practical relevence to your work?** No,I am not building anything,just reading only $\endgroup$
    – Rahul.In
    May 4, 2019 at 14:52

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2
$\begingroup$

Neither is incorrect. Neuronal resting potential is a function of the internal and external concentrations of ions and the conductance of the membrane to those ions via ion channels. Different neurons exhibit a range of resting potentials.

You can calculate the resting potential for a given cell using the Goldman Equation.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.