Final Answer:
A neuron's membrane that maintains a charge difference across its surface in which the inside is more negative than the outside is called B) Resting potential.
Step-by-step explanation:
The B) resting potential of a neuron refers to the electrical potential difference across its cell membrane when it is not actively transmitting signals. This potential is maintained by the selective permeability of the membrane to ions, with more sodium ions outside and more potassium ions inside the cell. The sodium-potassium pump actively transports these ions against their concentration gradients, contributing to the negative charge inside the neuron.
At rest, a neuron typically has a resting potential of approximately -70 millivolts (mV) relative to the outside. This negative charge is primarily due to the presence of negatively charged proteins and the selective permeability of the membrane to potassium ions. The resting potential is essential for the readiness of the neuron to transmit signals, as it establishes the baseline from which depolarization (a decrease in potential) and subsequent action potentials can occur.
Understanding the concept of resting potential is fundamental to grasping the neuronal communication process. It represents the electrically polarized state of a neuron at rest, poised to respond to stimuli. The maintenance of this potential is crucial for the neuron's ability to generate action potentials and convey information along its length. In summary, the resting potential is a foundational aspect of neuronal physiology, facilitating the complex electrochemical events that underlie neural communication.