Depolarized: meaning, definitions and examples
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depolarized
[ dɪˈpoʊlərˌaɪzd ]
scientific use
Depolarized refers to a state in which a cell's membrane potential becomes less negative or more positive than its resting potential. This process is often crucial in the context of neuronal activity and muscle contractions. In a depolarized state, the cell may become more likely to initiate an action potential. Depolarization can occur due to the influx of sodium ions or the closing of potassium channels. This change in potential is important in the understanding of electrical signaling in the body.
Synonyms
activated, excited, stimulated
Examples of usage
- The neuron became depolarized after the stimulus was applied.
- Muscle fibers must depolarize before contracting.
- During an action potential, the cell rapidly depolarizes.
- The depolarized state can lead to neurotransmitter release.
Translations
Translations of the word "depolarized" in other languages:
🇵🇹 despolarizado
🇮🇳 डिपोलराइज्ड
🇩🇪 depolarisiert
🇮🇩 depolarisasi
🇺🇦 деполяризований
🇵🇱 depolaryzowany
🇯🇵 脱分極した
🇫🇷 dépolarisé
🇪🇸 despolarizado
🇹🇷 depolarize
🇰🇷 탈분극된
🇸🇦 غير متقطب
🇨🇿 depolarizovaný
🇸🇰 depolarizovaný
🇨🇳 去极化的
🇸🇮 depolariziran
🇮🇸 afskautað
🇰🇿 деполяризацияланған
🇬🇪 დეპოლარიზებული
🇦🇿 depolarizasiya
🇲🇽 despolarizado
Etymology
The term 'depolarized' comes from the root 'polar', meaning having distinct poles or differences in charge. The prefix 'de-' indicates a reversal or removal of this polarity. In the scientific community, particularly in physiology and neuroscience, the concept of depolarization was developed to describe the electrical changes that occur in nerve and muscle cells. The earlier understanding of cellular activity recognized the importance of ion movements across membranes in generating electrical signals. The first documented studies of neuronal excitability and depolarization date back to the late 19th century. As techniques to measure and manipulate cell potentials improved, the term gained traction in both clinical and experimental contexts. Over time, depolarization has become a fundamental concept in understanding not just nerve signal transmission, but also in muscle function and cardiac rhythms, playing a critical role in various physiological processes.