hyperpolarization

hyperpolarization /hy·per·po·lar·iza·tion/ (hi″per-po″ler-ĭ-za´shun) any increase in the amount of electrical charge separated by the cell membrane, and hence in the strength of the transmembrane potential.

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hyperpolarization [hi″per-po″ler-ĭz-a´shun]

any increase in the amount of electrical charge separated by the cell membrane and hence in the strength of the membrane potential. In cardiology this is the process by which an electrical fiber, at the end of phase 3 repolarization, becomes more negative than usual.

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hyperpolarization

an increase in the amount of electrical charge on either side of a cell membrane so that there is an increase in the electric potential across the membrane.

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hyperpolarization

A change in the value of the resting membrane potential towards a more negative value. The inside of the cell becomes more negative than the outside. Hyperpolarization is inhibitory because the membrane potential moves away from the neuron's threshold at which an action potential could occur. Example: the retinal photoreceptor potentials when stimulated by light. See depolarization; receptor potential; resting membrane potential; synapse.