Final answer:
The restoration of the negative resting potential during an action potential is primarily due to the outward flow of potassium ions, not sodium ions. Sodium ions are responsible for depolarization, while repolarization and the return to resting potential are mediated by the exit of potassium ions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement about sodium ions and action potentials is not entirely accurate. The outward movement of potassium ions, not sodium ions, plays the predominant role in rapidly restoring the negative resting potential after an action potential.
During an action potential, sodium ions flow into the neuron, causing depolarization that changes the membrane potential from a resting state of around -70mV to a positively charged state. This influx of Na+ is critical for the initiation of the action potential.
Subsequently, potassium ions flow out of the neuron, which leads to repolarization of the neuron and the restoration of the negative resting potential. This process also involves inactivation of sodium channels, preventing further influx of Na+ and contributing to the restoration of the resting state.