Anaes SAQs · Applied cardiovascular & respiratory physiology
The ionic basis of the resting potential and the action potential
Primary — the resting potential set by potassium permeability; the Nernst and Goldman equations; the electrogenic Na-K ATPase; the action potential (sodium upstroke, potassium repolarisation); conduction and refractory periods; local anaesthetic block of the voltage-gated sodium channel (use-dependent).
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Prompt
Outline the ionic basis of the resting membrane potential and the action potential in a mammalian nerve, and explain the mechanism by which a local anaesthetic abolishes nerve conduction.
Question
Outline the ionic basis of the resting membrane potential and the action potential in a mammalian nerve, and explain the mechanism by which a local anaesthetic abolishes nerve conduction.
[1]References3ShowHide
- [1]Silverstein TP. Explaining neuronal membrane potentials: the Goldman equation. Neuroscience, 2025.PMID 39755228
- [3]Li X, et al. The functions of FXYD family members (Na,K-ATPase). Genes & Diseases, 2026.PMID 41630949
- [8]Kanchetty N. Local Anesthetic Resistance: Pathophysiology, Clinical Recognition, and Management Strategies. Curr Pain Headache Rep, 2026.PMID 41995765