Dictionary of Biological Psychology
A change in the MEMBRANE POTENTIAL of a cell that makes it less negative.
In the case of excitable cells, depolarization usually occurs by opening an ION CHANNEL to allow positive charged ions that are abundant outside the cell, such as sodium and calcium (see ION), to flow down their CONCENTRATION GRADIENT into the cell. Depolarization is often called ‘excitatory’ because it moves neurons closer to their THRESHOLD, thereby making it more likely that an ACTION POTENTIAL will occur.
DOUGLAS D.RASMUSSON
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