This is a brief Textbook that covers the basics of the initiation and propagation of the nerve impulse using equivalent circuits with reference to ionic conductances. Voltage dependent conductances are explained on the basis of single channel properties. The text contains links to the simulation programs.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
CAPACITANCE AND RESISTANCE OF THE MEMBRANE
THE MEMBRANE POTENTIAL
ELECTRICAL MODEL OF THE MEMBRANE
IONIC CURRENTS
THE RESTING MEMBRANE CONDUCTANCE
EQUIVALENT CIRCUIT OF THE MEMBRANE
VOLTAGE DEPENDENT CHANNELS
VOLTAGE-DEPENDENT POTASSIUM CHANNEL
VOLTAGE-DEPENDENT SODIUM CHANNEL
SIMPLIFYING THE AXON
VOLTAGE CLAMP
POTASSIUM CURRENT AND POTASSIUM CONDUCTANCE
SODIUM CONDUCTANCE
CAPACITATIVE CURRENT
GENERATION OF THE ACTION POTENTIAL
PROPAGATION OF THE ACTION POTENTIAL
GLOSSARY