Electrophysiology of Neurons

These flashcards cover the key vocabulary and concepts related to the electrophysiology of neurons as presented in the lecture notes.

Resting membrane potential (RMP)

The charge difference across the plasma membrane, typically −70 millivolts in an unstimulated neuron.

Action potential

A rapid up-and-down change in voltage produced by the coordinated opening and closing of voltage-gated ion channels.

Ionic basis of RMP

The resting membrane potential is influenced by the concentrations and permeability of ions, mainly potassium (K+) and sodium (Na+).

Saltatory conduction

A process where action potentials 'jump' from node to node along myelinated axons, allowing for faster signal transmission.

Neurotransmitter

A chemical substance released at a synapse that transmits a signal from one neuron to another or to a target cell.

Excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)

A voltage change that moves the membrane potential closer to the threshold for firing an action potential.

Inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)

A voltage change that makes the inside of the cell more negative, moving the membrane potential further from the threshold.

Summation

The process of adding up postsynaptic potentials to determine the net effect on a neuron.

Absolute refractory period

A phase during which no stimulus can trigger another action potential due to the inactivation of voltage-gated Na+ channels.

Chemical synapse

A junction where a neurotransmitter is released from one neuron and binds to receptors on another neuron.