Voltage-gated potassium channels are specialized proteins found in the membranes of cells, particularly in neurons and muscle cells. They open in response to changes in electrical voltage across the cell membrane, allowing potassium ions to flow out of the cell. This movement helps to restore the cell's resting potential after an action potential, which is crucial for proper cell signaling. These channels play a vital role in regulating the duration and frequency of action potentials, influencing how signals are transmitted in the nervous system. Dysfunction in voltage-gated potassium channels can lead to various health issues, including epilepsy and cardiac arrhythmias.