A polarized neuron is characterized by the presence of more __ ions along the plasma membrane outside the cell and less the plasma membrane inside the cell. C sodium; calcium sodium; potassium potassium; sodium calcium; sodium

## Step 1<br />A polarized neuron is a neuron that is in a state of rest, meaning it is not transmitting any signals. In this state, the inside of the neuron is negatively charged relative to the outside. This is due to the distribution of ions across the neuron's plasma membrane.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The inside of the neuron is rich in potassium ions (K+), which are positively charged. This is because the neuron's membrane is selectively permeable, allowing potassium ions to move in and out of the cell.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />On the other hand, the outside of the neuron is rich in sodium ions (Na+), which are also positively charged. This is because the neuron's membrane is selectively permeable, allowing sodium ions to move in and out of the cell.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The sodium-potassium pump, a type of active transport mechanism, helps maintain this distribution of ions. It pumps sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, which helps maintain the negative charge inside the cell.