Question

A neuron has been hyperpolarized. how will this affect the excitability of the neuron? patho flash cards

Answer 1

A neuron enters hyperpolarization when there's an efflux of the potassium ions and the influx of chlorine ions. This moving out of positively charged cations and moving in of negatively charged anions makes the neuron enter a state of negative membrane potential. If a hyperpolarized neuron is stimulated by an oncomming action potential, it fails to get excited. This is because the neuron has its potassium ion channel inactivated by the negative potential. The potassium ion channel can only be activated when the potassium ions slowly leak inside to neuron to make it enter the state of resting membrane potential.