Definition

The smallest amount of electric current needed to cause a nerve or muscle cell to become active and generate an action potential.

Example

The doctor measured the rheobase to determine the excitability of the patient's nerve.

Conversation

I was reading about how the rheobase affects nerve signals today.

Really? I’ve never heard of that term before.

It’s fascinating! The rheobase is basically the minimum current needed for an action potential.

That sounds important for understanding how our bodies work!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Rheobase is formed from "rheo-" (from Greek "rheos", meaning flow) and "base" (from Latin "basis", meaning foundation or base). The term refers to the minimum current required to stimulate a muscle or nerve, thus relating to the flow of electrical current as a foundational measure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'flow' ('rheo-') as the essential element needed to establish a 'base' ('base') for stimulating nerves or muscles.

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