Which part of the neuron is essential for establishing membrane potential?

The cell membrane is crucial for establishing membrane potential because it is the barrier that separates the interior of the neuron from the external environment. The membrane's selective permeability plays a key role in determining the distribution of ions across the membrane.

Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of approximately -70 mV, which is maintained due to differences in ion concentrations inside and outside of the cell, particularly sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions. The cell membrane contains ion channels and pumps, such as the sodium-potassium pump, which actively transport these ions to establish and maintain the resting membrane potential.

While dendrites and the soma play important roles in receiving and integrating signals, respectively, and the axon is involved in the conduction of electrical impulses, it is the interactive processes occurring at the cell membrane that are fundamentally responsible for generating and maintaining the voltage difference essential for neuron function.