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can someone explain how does hypokalemia affect the membrane potential?
thanks
thanks
hypokalemia is low conc. of potassium in blood.can someone explain how does hypokalemia affect the membrane potential?
thanks
Perfect!hypokalemia is low conc. of potassium in blood.
Potassium is essential for many body functions, including muscle and nerve activity. The electrochemical gradient of potassium between the intracellular and extracellular space is essential for nerve function; in particular, potassium is needed to repolarize the cell membrane to a resting state after an action potential has passed. Decreased potassium levels in the extracellular space will cause hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential. This hyperpolarization is caused by the effect of the altered potassium gradient on resting membrane potential as defined by the Goldman equation. As a result, a greater than normal stimulus is required for depolarization of the membrane in order to initiate an action potential
hope this helps