Question 1

What is the Meaning of Cellular Excitability?

Accepted Answer

Cellular excitability is the fundamental capacity of specific cells to generate and propagate electrical signals in response to stimuli. This intrinsic property involves a rapid, transient change in membrane potential, defining neurons, muscle cells, and secretory cells within endocrine glands.

Question 2

What is the Context of Cellular Excitability?

Accepted Answer

This attribute underpins communication across the nervous system, facilitating rapid information transfer. In the muscular system, it drives all forms of muscle contraction. Within the endocrine system, cellular excitability is essential for regulated hormone secretion, ensuring precise physiological responses.

Question 3

What is the Significance of Cellular Excitability?

Accepted Answer

Understanding cellular excitability is crucial for clinical practice; its dysfunction contributes to neurological disorders, cardiac arrhythmias, and endocrine imbalances. Proper excitability ensures coordinated physiological functions, impacting motor control, sensory perception, and hormone release. Maintaining this balance is paramount.

Question 4

What is the Mechanism of Cellular Excitability?

Accepted Answer

The mechanism relies on controlled ion movement across membranes via voltage-gated ion channels. A resting cell maintains a negative membrane potential. Upon stimulation, these channels open, allowing positive ion influx that depolarizes the membrane, generating an action potential. Ion efflux then restores resting potential.

Question 5

What is the Application of Cellular Excitability?

Accepted Answer

Clinically, cellular excitability is evaluated using electrophysiological techniques: ECG, EEG, and EMG assess heart, brain, and muscle function. Therapeutic strategies often involve medications modulating ion channel activity to manage conditions like epilepsy or cardiac dysrhythmias. Electrolyte balance influences this cellular property.

Question 6

What is the Metric of Cellular Excitability?

Accepted Answer

Cellular excitability is primarily assessed through direct electrophysiological recordings quantifying electrical activity, like action potential frequency and amplitude. Indirect indicators include serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) maintaining critical electrochemical gradients. Clinical examinations, such as reflex testing, provide functional insights.

Question 7

What is the Risk of Cellular Excitability?

Accepted Answer

Imbalances in cellular excitability pose health risks. Hyperexcitability can lead to severe symptoms such as seizures, uncontrolled muscle spasms, or life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Conversely, hypoexcitability can manifest as muscle weakness, paralysis, or impaired cognitive function. These deviations result from electrolyte disturbances, channelopathies, or pharmacological interventions, requiring careful management.

Cellular Excitability

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

How Do Electrolyte Imbalances Affect Overall Hormonal Health?