Injury Potential


injury potential

[′in·jə·rē pə‚ten·chəl] (physiology) The potential difference observed between the injured and the noninjured regions of an injured tissue or cell. Also known as demarcation potential; injury current.

Potential, Injury

 

a potential difference between the mechanically, thermally, or electrically injured portions of a damaged cell or tissue and the uninjured portions. Injury potential is caused by and related to resting potential. The injured portion is negatively charged with respect to the uninjured portion. Injury potential is greatest at the moment the injury is inflicted. It decreases with time owing to the formation of membranous structures at the injury site. The electric current between the injured and intact portions of a nerve or muscle fiber stimulates and injures the adjacent portions of the cell membrane.