Understanding Neurons and Ion Channels within the Brain.

Neuron transmission throughout the body is essential in ensuring the stability of a human being. When neurons are not flowing properly there is an increased risk of disease and instability within the body. Ions within neurons also tend to move against membrane potentials, the difference between inside and outside electrical charges of a cell. When Na+ and K+ ions move through respective channels, the balance of membrane potentials is dramatically changed as well as the …

…to freely leave and reenter the neuron is what maintains balance within the "neural body". The absence of K+ from a cell leaves the neuron with an increased membrane potential whereas the appearance of Na+ ions in a cell depolarizes it resulting in a decreased membrane potential. Neurons are excited and inhibited when ion channels open because of the change in membrane potentials present inside and outside of the cell before and after the change.