Which statement correctly describes the ventricular resting membrane potential range?

Which statement correctly describes the ventricular resting membrane potential range?

• A. -60 to -70 mV
• B. -80 to -90 mV
• C. -90 to -100 mV
• D. -110 to -120 mV

Answer: (C)

The resting membrane potential of ventricular myocytes is set mainly by the potassium gradient across the membrane; at rest the membrane is most permeable to K+, so the voltage sits near the potassium equilibrium potential. With typical ion concentrations, E_K is about -90 mV. In ventricular tissue this resting value is commonly around -85 to -100 mV, so saying the resting range is roughly -90 to -100 mV fits what is observed. Values around -60 to -70 mV would be too depolarized for resting ventricle, and -110 to -120 mV would be unusually hyperpolarized. While -80 to -90 mV is plausible, the broader ventricular resting range often described includes the more negative end, hence -90 to -100 mV is the best match.

The resting membrane potential of ventricular myocytes is set mainly by the potassium gradient across the membrane; at rest the membrane is most permeable to K+, so the voltage sits near the potassium equilibrium potential. With typical ion concentrations, E_K is about -90 mV. In ventricular tissue this resting value is commonly around -85 to -100 mV, so saying the resting range is roughly -90 to -100 mV fits what is observed. Values around -60 to -70 mV would be too depolarized for resting ventricle, and -110 to -120 mV would be unusually hyperpolarized. While -80 to -90 mV is plausible, the broader ventricular resting range often described includes the more negative end, hence -90 to -100 mV is the best match.