Which term describes the natural equilibrium attained by a neuron when it is not firing?

The term that describes the natural equilibrium attained by a neuron when it is not firing is resting potential. Resting potential refers to the electrical charge difference across the neuronal membrane when the neuron is inactive. During this state, the inside of the neuron is negatively charged compared to the outside, typically around -70 millivolts, primarily due to the distribution of ions, such as sodium and potassium. This resting state is crucial for preparing the neuron for future action potentials, as it allows for a rapid response when the neuron receives the appropriate stimuli.

In contrast, action potential refers to the rapid voltage change that occurs when a neuron fires, making it an active process rather than a state of equilibrium. Threshold potential is the critical level to which a membrane potential must be depolarized to initiate an action potential, while neuronal stability, while it sounds relevant, is not a standard term used in neuroscience to describe the resting state of neurons.