Bioelectricity, Ionic Basis of Membrane Potentials and Propagation of Voltage Signals

Synonyms

Action potentials; Bioelectricity; Electrical signaling; Flow of electrical charges in biological circuits; Membrane ionic and capacitative currents; Membrane potential; Membrane potential difference; Receptor potentials; Signal conduction; Synaptic potentials; Synaptic transmission; Transmembrane voltage; Voltage signals

Definitions

Bioelectricity is the flow of electrical currents, carried by mobile charged ions, across cell membranes and along the exterior and interior ionic environment of cells. The membrane potential results from a separation of charge (transmembrane voltage) owing to biological membranes limiting diffusion of ions in a controlled manner that is largely regulated by ion channels and transporters. Transient changes in membrane potential (e.g., receptor potentials, synaptic potentials, and action potentials) are electrical signaling events produced by temporary changes in current flow across the cell membrane and conducted by currents flowing where...