In neuroscience, repolarization refers to the change in membrane potential that returns the membrane potential to a negative value after the depolarization phase of an action potential has just previously changed the membrane potential to a positive value. Repolarization results from the movement of positively charged potassium ions out of the cell. Typically the repolarization phase of an action potential results in hyperpolarization, attainment of a membrane potential that is more negative than the resting potential.

See also

• membrane potential
• action potential

Electrophysiology