Lecture 2 - Neurophysiology Flashcards
1. Be able to describe how different ions contribute to the resting membrane potential of neurons and glial cells 2. Explain how the distribution of ions result in a negative charge inside neurons 3. List the sequence of ions flows that underlies an important neuronal signal called an action potential 4. Describe how specialized ion channels propagate the action potential from the start of an axon to the tips of its every branch 5. Contrast the way the action potentials spread down myelinate
What is Neurophysiology?
the study of electrical and chemical processes in neurons
Electrochemical signaling
information flowing WITHIN neurons is via electrical signaling (inside the neuron)
information passing BETWEEN two neurons is chemical signaling (can sometimes be electrical too)
2 fundamental neuronal signals
- Synaptic Transmission - processes information
- Action Potential - makes the decision
Both are dependent on electrical properties of neurons
The Membrane Potential
potential energy that is waiting to happen. The membrane acts as a barrier from forming that potential
Cells all have electrical charges. The inside is more… (negative or positive?)
negative
Ions
Electrically charged molecules
Anions
specifically, negatively charge molecules
Cations
specifically, positively charged molecules
Diffusion
ions flowing from an area of high concentration to low concentration (moving down the concentration gradient)
Electrostatic Pressure
Like charges repel each other, opposite charges attract each other
Entropy
from an ordered state to disordered state
Lipid Bilayer
- a membrane
- separates 2 conducting solutions (the cytoplasm and the extracellular fluid)
- has charged ions on the inside and ouside of the cell
Membrane Potential
- there is a voltage difference across the membrane
- flow of anion/cations change the membrane potential
- charged particles always travel to the path of least resistance
The membrane potential formula
Vm = V in - V out
Voltage membrane = the difference of the voltage inside and outside the cell
Vm is usually -65 mV
Equilibrium Potential for
1. Glial Cells
- Glial Cells: -75 mV