The membrane potential experiences a brief hyperpolarization

Last updated: 8/7/2022

The membrane potential experiences a brief hyperpolarization following the spike of the action potential. What causes the hyperpolarization? voltage gated K+ channels close slowly allowing K+ ions to continue to leave the cell the opening of leaky Na+ channels the Na+/K+ pump briefly reverses the direction of ion flow both Na+ channels and K+ channels become inactivated Na+ and Cl- enter the cell until the Na+/Cl- pump closes