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What causes depolarization?

In: Human Physiology [Edit categories]

Answer:

To directly answer your question about hyperkalemia you must think about the inter and extracellular concentration of ions. K (potassium) is the major intracellular ion. Na (sodium) is the major extracellular ion. Membranes of cells are charged lets say -80mV. At this membrane potential, the ionic concentration will be as the body wants it (lots of K in, and Na out)

When we change the concentration of ions in the serum, it will change the membrane potential of ALL cells.

Now, all things in the body are transient--there is always some Na entering the cell and some K leaving all to maintain this proper balance.

In the case of hyperkalemia--high concentrations of K in the serum would result in either less K leaving the cell (meaing more positive charges will be in the cell, depolarization) or addional K could enter the cell at high enough K serum concentrations and therefore add more positive charges in the cell and thus depolarize it.

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First answer by ID1219630446. Last edit by Allierose143. Contributor trust: 0 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 1 [recommend question].

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