The process whereby the membrane, cell, or fiber, after depolarization, is polarized again, with positive charges on the outer and negative charges on the inner surface.
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re·po·lar·iza·tion also Brit re·po·lar·isa·tion .rē-pō-lə-rə-'zā-shən n restoration of the difference in charge between the inside and outside of the plasma membrane of a muscle fiber or cell following depolarization
re·po·lar·ize also Brit re·po·lar·ise (')rē-'pō-lə-.rīz vb, -ized also Brit -ised; -iz·ing also Brit -is·ing
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n.
the process in which the membrane of a nerve cell returns to its normal electrically charged state after a nerve impulse has passed. During the passage of a nerve impulse a temporary change in the molecular structure of the membrane allows a surge of ions across the membrane (see action potential). During repolarization ions diffuse back to restore the charge and the nerve becomes ready to transmit further impulses. See refractory period.
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re·po·lar·iza·tion (re-po″lər-ĭ-zaґshən) the reestablishment of polarity, especially the return of cell membrane potential to resting potential after depolarization. See also potassium channel and sodium channel, under channel.Medical dictionary. 2011.