What does RMP stand for in physiological terms?

Resting Membrane Potential (RMP) refers to the electrical potential difference across a cell membrane when the cell is not actively transmitting signals. It is crucial in understanding how neurons and muscle cells function. At rest, the inside of the cell is typically negatively charged compared to the outside due to the distribution of ions, particularly sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+). This polarized state is essential for the ability of cells to generate action potentials, which are necessary for communication in the nervous system and for muscle contraction.

The RMP is primarily maintained through the activity of ion channels and the sodium-potassium pump, which moves sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, thus helping to sustain the negative charge inside the cell compared to the extracellular environment. Understanding RMP is fundamental in fields like neurophysiology and cardiology, where the generation and propagation of electrical signals are vital for proper physiological function.