What is the typical resting potential of a neuron?

The typical resting potential of a neuron is generally around -70 to -90 mV, which reflects the balance of ionic concentrations across the membrane and the permeability of the membrane to ions at rest. This resting membrane potential is crucial for generating action potentials and maintaining the neuron's ability to respond to stimuli.

When discussing the range of resting potential, it's important to understand that it represents the electrical charge difference across the neuronal membrane when the neuron is not actively firing. The negative sign indicates that the inside of the neuron is negatively charged relative to the outside.

In the context of the options presented, while the choice indicating -50 to -100 mV seems like it has some overlap with the typical range, the more precise and widely accepted range is -70 to -90 mV. This range stems from the equilibrium established largely by potassium (K+) ions and the neuron's selectively permeable membrane during resting conditions, which facilitates the maintenance of hyperpolarization necessary for proper neuronal function.

Understanding the typical resting potential is fundamental for grasping concepts like action potentials and synaptic transmission, making this knowledge essential for anyone studying EEG and neuronal dynamics.