How would one Describe a neuron at rest compared to activated by stimulus?

A neuron at rest:

- Membrane potential: The inside of a neuron at rest is negative relative to the outside. This difference in electrical potential is called the resting membrane potential. The resting membrane potential is typically around -70 millivolts (mV).

- Ion channels: The neuron's cell membrane contains ion channels that allow specific ions to flow in and out of the cell. At rest, potassium channels are open, allowing potassium ions (K+) to flow out of the cell, while sodium channels are closed, preventing sodium ions (Na+) from flowing into the cell. This results in a net negative charge inside the cell.

- Membrane permeability: The membrane of a neuron at rest is relatively impermeable to sodium ions and highly permeable to potassium ions. This difference in permeability creates the resting membrane potential.

- Synapses: Neurons communicate with each other through synapses. At rest, synapses are not releasing neurotransmitters.

A neuron that is activated by a stimulus:

- Membrane potential: When a neuron is activated by a stimulus, the membrane potential changes. This change is called an action potential. An action potential is a brief reversal of the membrane potential, in which the inside of the cell becomes positive relative to the outside.

- Ion channels: During an action potential, sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to flow into the cell, while potassium channels close, preventing potassium ions from flowing out of the cell. This influx of sodium ions causes the membrane potential to become positive.

- Membrane permeability: The membrane of an activated neuron is highly permeable to sodium ions and relatively impermeable to potassium ions. This change in permeability is what causes the action potential.

- Synapses: When an action potential reaches the end of a neuron, it causes the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These neurotransmitters can then bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, causing it to be activated.