Physiology · Nervous System · Hard

Depolarisation

Meaning: A decrease in membrane potential, triggering a nerve or muscle action potential.

In practice: Depolarisation of the cardiac cells triggers each heartbeat.

Quick check

Two questions on related physiology words.

Which word means: The amount produced or expelled by an organ per unit of time, such as cardiac output.

Which word means: A regular recurring pattern of biological activity, such as circadian or cardiac rhythm.

Words like depolarisation come up in the daily game

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.

Related words

More physiology terms · All medical words