What is the term for the electrical potential difference recorded during nerve conduction studies?

The term for the electrical potential difference recorded during nerve conduction studies is known as the action potential. Action potentials are rapid changes in electrical membrane potential that occur when a neuron is stimulated. This process involves a temporary reversal of the resting membrane potential, allowing ions to flow across the membrane, which generates the electrical signal that travels along the nerve fiber.

During nerve conduction studies, electrodes are used to measure these action potentials as they propagate along the nerve, providing critical data about the functionality and health of the nervous system. This measurement is crucial for diagnosing various neurological conditions, as it reflects the speed and efficiency of nerve conduction.

In contrast, resting potential refers to the baseline electrical charge of the neuron when it is not actively transmitting signals, while threshold potential is the critical level that a membrane must reach to trigger an action potential. Equilibrium potential is related to the concentration gradients of ions across the neuronal membrane but does not denote the potential difference measured during conduction studies.