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.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
hy·per·po·lar·i·za·tion
(hī'pĕr-pō'lăr-i-zā'shŭn), An increase in polarization of membranes of nerves or muscle cells; the reverse change from that associated with excitatory action.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
hy·per·po·lar·i·za·tion
(hī'pĕr-pō'lăr-ī-zā'shŭn) An increase in polarization of membranes of nerves or muscle cells, which makes the cell less sensitive to any stimulus; the reverse change from that associated with excitatory action.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
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.
Millodot: Dictionary of Optometry and Visual Science, 7th edition. © 2009 Butterworth-Heinemann
hy·per·po·lar·i·za·tion
(hī'pĕr-pō'lăr-ī-zā'shŭn) Increased polarization of membranes of nerves or muscle cells.
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012