Electrical Properties of Neurons

Neurons are unique in their ability to manipulate the flow of charges across the cell membrane. In this Part, we will examine how they accomplish this incredible feat.

In this Part, learning objectives are to:

1. Explain which substances can cross the neuronal cell membrane by simple diffusion, and which need channel or pump proteins.
2. Describe the features of the sodium-potassium pump and other proteins that maintain the normal concentration of ions inside and outside the neuron.
3. Define the patch-clamp method.
4. Describe how diffusional and electrical forces on ions combine to create an equilibrium potential for that ion.
5. Explain how the channels carried by a cell lead to a resting membrane potential.
6. Show how the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation can be used to predict the membrane potential of neurons under various conditions.
7. Summarize how voltage-gated channels are used to dynamically change the neuronal membrane potential.
8. Construct a model of the action potential in unmyelinated axons.
9. Construct a model of the action potential in myelinated axons.
10. Describe the process by which action potentials move from the proximal axon to the axon terminal.