Depolarize: meaning, definitions and examples
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depolarize
[ ˌdiːˈpəʊləraɪz ]
electrical activity
To depolarize means to reduce or eliminate the polarization of a membrane or cell, particularly in the context of muscle or nerve cells. This process typically involves changing the electrical charge across the cell membrane, allowing ions to flow in and out, which can initiate an impulse or action potential. Depolarization is crucial in physiological processes, such as muscle contractions and nerve signal transmission. It is often followed by a repolarization phase, where the membrane potential returns to its resting state.
Synonyms
discharge, electrically stabilize, neutralize.
Examples of usage
- The neurons depolarize in response to a stimulus.
- Cardiac muscle cells must depolarize for the heart to beat.
- Depolarizing agents can affect muscle contractions.
Translations
Translations of the word "depolarize" in other languages:
🇵🇹 despolarizar
🇮🇳 डीपोलराइज़
🇩🇪 depolarisieren
🇮🇩 depolarisasi
🇺🇦 деполяризувати
🇵🇱 depolaryzować
🇯🇵 脱分極する
🇫🇷 dépolariser
🇪🇸 despolarizar
🇹🇷 depolarize etmek
🇰🇷 탈분극하다
🇸🇦 إزالة الاستقطاب
🇨🇿 depolarizovat
🇸🇰 depolarizovať
🇨🇳 去极化
🇸🇮 depolarizirati
🇮🇸 afskautun
🇰🇿 деполяризация
🇬🇪 დეპოლარიზება
🇦🇿 depolarizasiya
🇲🇽 despolarizar
Etymology
The word 'depolarize' originates from the early 20th century, derived from the prefix 'de-', meaning removal, and 'polarize', which comes from 'polar', relating to the positive and negative poles that create electrical charges. The term is closely associated with the field of electrochemistry and neurophysiology. As scientists began to explore the electrical properties of cells, the terminology evolved to describe the processes involved in cellular activities. 'Depolarization' became a foundational concept in understanding how cells communicate and function, especially within the nervous system and cardiac tissues. Its usage has expanded along with advancements in biology and medicine, making it an essential term in the study of physiology.