During depolarization, the membrane potential of a neuron?

During depolarization, the membrane potential of a neuron becomes less negative, which is characterized by a shift in the membrane potential toward a more positive value. This process typically occurs when sodium channels open in response to a stimulus, allowing sodium ions to flow into the neuron. The influx of positively charged sodium ions reduces the negative charge inside the cell relative to the outside, thus causing the membrane potential to become less negative.

This is a critical step in the generation of an action potential, as it indicates that the neuron is moving away from its resting state and getting closer to the threshold potential required for the action potential to be triggered. If sufficient depolarization occurs to reach the threshold, an action potential will be initiated, leading to further changes in membrane potential.