Changes in ion concentrations in the extracellular fluid can alter electrochemical gradients making cells more or less likely to depolarize.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Changes in ion concentrations, particularly of sodium and potassium, can affect the resting membrane potential and make cells more or less excitable. This is because the concentration gradient influences the movement of ions across the membrane and thus affects the overall charge of the cell. For example, an increase in extracellular potassium or a decrease in extracellular sodium can depolarize cells, whereas a decrease in extracellular potassium or an increase in extracellular sodium can hyperpolarize cells.

Changes in Ion Concentrations in the Extracellular Fluid Can Alter