Week 1: Fundamental properties of neurons

Unit 6 Electrotonic potential of the neuron

Key concept
Electrical signals of the neuron are represented by two kinds of membrane potential changes: passive and active

Membrane potential can be depolarized by injecting positive current

passive active

Membrane potential can be hyperpolarized by injecting negative current

passive

Time course of charging a capacitor (C) in parallel with a resistor (R) from a constant current source

Before charging a capacitor

During charging a capacitor

After charging a capacitor

Membrane capacitance slows the time course of electrical signals

When = t 1 e-1 = 1 1/e = 1 1/2.72 = 0.63

Currents cross the membrane, travel down the neuron, exit, and return to the source
Current flow generated by an action potential

Current flow induced artificially

Membrane and axial resistances affect the efficiency of electrical signal conduction

When = x e-1 = 1/e = 1/2.72 = 0.37

Summary
1. The membrane potential of an neuron can be changed to represent the neural signal 2. The electrotonic potential is a passive property of a neuron, which depends on resistors (R) and capacitors (C) of the membrane 3. The rate of change in the membrane potential is slowed by the membrane capacitance 4. The distance of signal conduction is affected by membrane resistance and axial resistance