Ch. 1 Models and Methods in Systems Neuroscience

Question 1

model

Answer 1

compact, economical way to represent the essential features of a phenomenon, process, mechanism, or aspect of reality

Question 2

5 types of models

Answer 2

1. idealized neurons & connections
2. mechanical devices
3. electric circuits
4. black boxes
5. mathematical

Question 3

isomorphism

Answer 3

match between model & what it represents

Question 4

voltage clamp

Answer 4

experimenter clamps voltage at certain value & observes how current flows at given voltage

Question 5

current clamp

Answer 5

entails injecting current into the cell & observing how the membrane potential changes

Question 6

path recording

Answer 6

study a small patch of neural membrane in isolation & to measure its responses to changes in the transmembrane voltage & electric gradients

Question 7

whole cell / cell attached

Answer 7

gives the pipette electrical access to the interior of the cell without actually having to penetrate the cell

Question 8

positive-going

Answer 8

when tip of electrode registers voltage that is positive with respect to reference electrode placed remotely