Neurons maintain an electrical charge due to the uneven distribution of ions inside and outside the cell. Specifically, the inside of a neuron has a negative charge relative to the outside. This charge difference is crucial for neurons to transmit electrical signals.
Here's a breakdown:
- Negative Charge Inside: According to our reference, the primary reason for the negative charge inside a neuron is the presence of large, negatively charged molecules called anions.
- Immobile Anions: These anions are too large to pass through the ion channels in the neuron's membrane.
- Trapped Negative Charge: Because they cannot leave, these trapped anions contribute to the overall negative charge within the neuron.
Therefore, the presence of immobile, negatively charged anions trapped inside the neuron contributes significantly to its resting negative charge.
