Cortical neuron membrane potential

The cortical neuron membrane potential, often referred to simply as the neuron's "membrane potential," is an electrical voltage difference across the plasma membrane of cortical neurons. This voltage arises from differences in ionic concentrations inside versus outside the cell—primarily potassium (K⁺), sodium (Na⁺), and chloride (Cl⁻) ions—and is maintained by selective permeability through ion channels and active transport via pumps such as Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase. In typical cortical neurons, the resting membrane potential is around -70 mV. Membrane potentials are dynamic; they fluctuate due to synaptic inputs that cause depolarization or hyperpolarization. When sufficient depolarization occurs at critical regions like the axon hillock, an action potential may be triggered if threshold (~ -50 mV) is reached. The interplay between excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs determines whether this threshold will be crossed. The concept of "cortical neuron membrane potential" describes a fundamental biophysical property essential for neural communication but does not refer to a discrete molecular entity or therapeutic target, such as an enzyme or receptor. Instead, it reflects integrated activity across many molecular components—including various types of ion channels—which themselves may be drug targets. The term “Cortical neuron membrane potential” refers to an emergent electrical property rather than a specific molecule or receptor. It cannot serve as a canonical therapeutic target but underlies many processes targeted indirectly by drugs acting on neuronal ion channels.

Other names

Neuronal membrane potentialResting membrane potential (in neurons)Action potential threshold (context-dependent)