4: Electrical Properties of Neurons

Open Neuroscience Initiative · LibreTexts

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    From LibreTexts, under CC BY-NC 4.0, as the source states it; its equations are written in TeX, which the PDF shows typeset. This page at LibreTexts.

    • 4.1: Introduction
      This page explores the electroactive properties of neurons, focusing on their sensitivity to electrical charge and membrane potential changes that facilitate rapid long-distance signaling. It aims to provide insight into the molecular and cellular components that characterize neuronal electrical behavior during both resting states and action potentials.
    • 4.2: Ion channels
      This page explains the cell membrane's selective permeability, emphasizing its role in allowing specific molecules like gases and water to pass while blocking larger or charged molecules. It highlights the importance of transmembrane proteins, particularly ion channels, in regulating ion flow based on various factors such as pore size and charge.
    • 4.3: The electrochemical gradient
      This page explains ion movement across cell membranes via ion channels, highlighting the influence of electrical and chemical gradients. It discusses how sodium ions move into the cell due to these gradients, while potassium ion movement is affected by opposing forces, resulting in dynamic equilibrium and specific equilibrium potentials for various ions.
    • 4.4: Calculating Ex and the Nernst equation
      This page covers the Nernst equation for calculating equilibrium potential (Ex) of ions and introduces the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz (GHK) equation, which assesses overall membrane potential (Vm) by considering the Nernst potentials and permeability of key ions (Na+, K+, Cl-). It highlights the significance of these equations in comprehending neuronal activity during resting and action potential phases.
    • 4.5: The action potential
      This page covers the mechanisms behind action potentials in neurons, emphasizing the roles of sodium and potassium ions through voltage-gated channels. It details the process of depolarization, repolarization, and afterhyperpolarization, along with the necessity of reaching a threshold potential for action potential initiation.
    • 4.6: Movement of the action potential
      This page explains how action potentials travel along axons, starting at the axon hillock with Na+ ion influx causing depolarization. It details the unidirectional movement aided by sodium gradients and the absolute refractory period. Analgesics like lidocaine block voltage-gated sodium channels, inhibiting sensory signals. Myelin increases conduction velocity by preventing ion loss, with action potentials propagating at nodes of Ranvier through saltatory conduction.
    • 4.7: References

    This page titled 4: Electrical Properties of Neurons was last modified on Wed, 08 Jul 2026 03:24:19 GMT and is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Austin Lim via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.