This physiology question can have multiple correct answers: Potassium chloride (

Question

This physiology question can have multiple correct answers:

Potassium chloride (KCL) can be used as an effective anesthetic because: The extra potassium is added to the outside of the neuron, causing a loss of the potassium concentration gradient and thus a failure to repolarize after an action potential O KCI would physically prevent the opening of VG Na+ channels The excess K outside the neuron could be taken up inside the nerve cell, resulting in a hyperpolarized cell membrane It would cause nerve cells to have an extended period of time where the VG Na+ channels are inactivated

Explanation / Answer

Potassium chloride (KCl) is a muscle relaxant that provides prolonged depolarization of muscles and nerve cells. It can be used as an effective anaesthetic because the extra concentration of potassium ions cause the loss of potassium ion gradient and result in depolarization due to failure of repolarization of nerve cell to produce an action potential. This may result in inactivation of voltage gated Na+ channels and prevent the opening of Na+ channels physically. Therefore, options 1, 2 and 4 are correct.

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