Interrelation of Yin and Yang in Action Potential of Cell Membrane

Abstract

This study was undertaken to apply the yin-yang theory in action potential. In order to apply the yin-yang theory in action potential, nature of yin and yang, interrelation of yin and yang and action potential in cell were reviewed. According to the yin-yang theory, inner cellular space corresponds to yin, but outer cellular space corresponds to yang. If we classify ions in intracellular fluid or extracellular fluid by nature of yin and yang, potassium(K+) corresponds to yang within yin(陰中之陽), protein(Pr-) corresponds to yin within yin(陰中之陰) in intracellular fluid, and sodium(Na+) corresponds to yang within yang(陽中之陽), chloride(Cl-) corresponds to yin within yang(陽中之陰) in extracellular fluid. Double donnan equilibrium and equilibrium potential were caused by intracellular anion(Pr-) and extracellular cation(Na+) are related with mutual rooting of yin and yang(陰陽互根) and opposition of yin and yang(陰陽對立). The influx and efflux of ion through cell membrane means waxing and waning of yin and yang(陰陽消長), the change of membrane potential means yin-yang conversion(陰陽轉化) during action potential.