Depolarizing: meaning, definitions and examples
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depolarizing
[ dɪˈpɔːləraɪzɪŋ ]
electrophysiology
Depolarizing refers to the process by which the membrane potential of a cell becomes more positive, moving closer to zero and reducing polarization. This change is crucial in the function of muscle and nerve cells, as it can lead to the initiation of an action potential. In a depolarized state, the inside of the cell becomes less negative compared to the outside.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The depolarizing event triggered an action potential.
- Depolarizing currents are essential in nerve signal transmission.
- Cardiac cells undergo depolarizing processes during each heartbeat.
Translations
Translations of the word "depolarizing" in other languages:
🇵🇹 despolarizante
🇮🇳 डीपोलराइजिंग
🇩🇪 depolarisiert
🇮🇩 depolarisasi
🇺🇦 деполяризуючий
🇵🇱 depolaryzujący
🇯🇵 脱分極する
🇫🇷 dépolarisant
🇪🇸 despolarizante
🇹🇷 depolarize eden
🇰🇷 탈분극하는
🇸🇦 إزالة الاستقطاب
🇨🇿 depolarizující
🇸🇰 depolarizujúci
🇨🇳 去极化的
🇸🇮 depolarizirajoč
🇮🇸 afskautandi
🇰🇿 деполяризация
🇬🇪 დეპოლარიზაცია
🇦🇿 depolarizasiya
🇲🇽 despolarizante
Etymology
The term 'depolarizing' is derived from the prefix 'de-', meaning 'to remove' or 'reduce', and 'polarizing', which comes from 'polarize', a term in physics and biology that describes the separation of charges. The concept of depolarization originated in the study of electrical potential in cells, particularly in relation to nerve and muscle function. The word gained prominence in the early 20th century as scientists explored the electrical properties of cells, especially in relation to how they respond to stimuli. Knowledge of depolarization has been integral to the development of electrophysiology and our understanding of how nerve impulses are conducted and how muscles contract. Today, the term is foundational in various fields, including neuroscience, cardiology, and cellular biology, illustrating its crucial role in understanding complex biological systems.