Depolarisaation
Depolarisation, or depolarization in American English, is the process by which the resting membrane potential of a cell becomes less negative. It is a key excitatory change in many cell types and is often a prerequisite for the initiation of electrical signaling. The term describes a reduction in the electrical potential difference across the plasma membrane, typically moving from around −70 mV toward zero or positive values.
In excitable cells such as neurons and cardiac or skeletal muscle, depolarisation is usually triggered by the
Propagation occurs as depolarisation moves along the cell membrane. In unmyelinated axons, depolarisation spreads to adjacent
Other contexts include plant cells, where depolarisation can occur during slower action potentials involving Ca2+ and
See also resting potential, action potential, repolarisation, hyperpolarisation.