The function of SCN11A (sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 11, Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000168356) is as follows. Sodium channel mediating the voltage-dependent sodium ion permeability of excitable membranes. Assuming opened or closed conformations in response to the voltage difference across the membrane, the protein forms a sodium-selective channel through which sodium ions may pass in accordance with their electrochemical gradient (PubMed:10580103, PubMed:12384689, PubMed:24036948, PubMed:24776970, PubMed:25791876, PubMed:26645915). Involved in membrane depolarization during action potential in nociceptors which function as key relay stations for the electrical transmission of pain signals from the periphery to the central nervous system (PubMed:24036948, PubMed:24776970, PubMed:25791876, PubMed:26645915). Also involved in rapid BDNF-evoked neuronal depolarization (PubMed:12384689). {ECO:0000269|PubMed:10580103, ECO:0000269|PubMed:12384689, ECO:0000269|PubMed:24036948, ECO:0000269|PubMed:24776970, ECO:0000269|PubMed:25791876, ECO:0000269|PubMed:26645915}.