SK Channels (Small Potassium Channels)

SK channels, or Small Potassium channels, are specialized proteins in nerve and muscle cells that help regulate electrical activity by allowing potassium ions to exit the cell. They are activated by increases in calcium inside the cell and contribute to controlling the cell’s electrical signals, influencing heartbeat, muscle contractions, and neuron firing. By helping to reset the cell’s electrical state after activity, SK channels play a vital role in maintaining proper function and preventing abnormal activity, such as excessive excitation or arrhythmias.