Final answer:
The correct answer to the student's question is A) Repolarization, which is the process that restores the resting membrane potential in neurons following an action potential.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sodium-potassium pumps are critical for restoring the resting membrane potential following an action potential in neurons. After the rapid influx of Na+ ions that causes depolarization, the membrane potential is brought back towards its resting state through a process known as repolarization.
During repolarization, voltage-gated K+ channels open, allowing K+ ions to exit the cell, which brings the internal charge of the cell membrane back towards the negative resting potential.
The sodium-potassium pumps then work actively to restore the resting potential by pumping Na+ out and K+ in, against their concentration gradients.
This restoration is essential for the neuron to be ready for the next action potential. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is A) Repolarization.