As a subject matter expert in neuroscience and cellular physiology, I can explain the term "hyperpolarization."
Hyperpolarization refers to the increase in the membrane potential difference across a cell's plasma membrane, making it more
positive on the outside and more
negative on the inside. This typically occurs when there is an influx of certain ions, such as potassium (K⁺), which can make the cell less excitable. In the context of neurons, hyperpolarization moves the cell further from the threshold necessary to generate an action potential, thus reducing the likelihood of the neuron firing.
In a broader sense, hyperpolarization can also refer to any situation where a system moves to a state of lower activity or excitation.
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