Resting membrane potential is generated by

**Core Concept**
The resting membrane potential is a fundamental concept in physiology, referring to the stable electrical potential difference across a neuron's plasma membrane when it is at rest, not transmitting signals. This potential difference is generated by the movement of ions (charged particles) across the membrane, which is influenced by various ion channels and the selective permeability of the membrane.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The resting membrane potential is primarily generated by the movement of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions across the cell membrane. The cell membrane is more permeable to K+ ions than Na+ ions at rest, allowing K+ ions to diffuse out of the cell through leak channels. This movement of K+ ions out of the cell creates a negative charge inside the cell relative to the outside, resulting in a negative resting membrane potential. The sodium-potassium pump, also known as the Na+/K+-ATPase, helps maintain this ionic balance by pumping Na+ ions out of the cell and K+ ions into the cell against their concentration gradients.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not specify the primary ions responsible for generating the resting membrane potential.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it is a distractor that might be related to the action potential, which is a different phenomenon from the resting membrane potential.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it is a distractor that might be related to the sodium-potassium pump, which helps maintain the ionic balance but is not the primary generator of the resting membrane potential.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that the resting membrane potential is a crucial factor in determining the excitability of a neuron, and any changes in this potential can lead to alterations in neuronal function or even disease states, such as epilepsy or neuropathic pain.

**Correct Answer: D. Movement of sodium and potassium ions**