Resting membrane potential

Mechanism and function

Ion distribution and membrane permeability maintain this state. Electrical rest does not mean metabolic inactivity: transport mechanisms maintain the gradients needed for neuronal function.

Assessment and clinical implications

This concept explains nerve excitability but is not a clinical diagnosis. Pain or tingling does not measure a nerve’s membrane potential.

Points to consider

Neural transmission depends on complementary electrical and chemical properties. A cellular mechanism cannot be measured directly through posture examination. Electrophysiological investigations answer specific questions about nerve or muscle dysfunction.

Role of TAGMED care

At TAGMED, assessment aims to understand symptoms, history and functional limitations. Manual care and osteopathy, motorized spinal decompression, laser and shockwave have different indications. The term described in this entry is not enough to select any of these modalities. Their relevance, limitations and possible contraindications should be discussed in relation to diagnosis and individual goals.

Related concepts and distinctions

These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.

• Action potential — Brief regenerative change in membrane potential that allows an excitable cell to transmit an electrical signal along its membrane.
• Depolarization — Shift in membrane potential toward a less negative value that may bring an excitable cell closer to action-potential threshold.
• Repolarization — Return of membrane potential toward more negative values after depolarization, forming part of the normal electrical cycle of excitable cells.

Medical references

1. OpenStax, Rice University. Anatomy and Physiology 2e — The Action Potential.
2. OpenStax, Rice University. Anatomy and Physiology 2e — Communication Between Neurons.

References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.