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Biology
Neurobiology/Neuroscience
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
1. Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
2. The Structure of Neurons and Glia
3. The Neuronal Membrane and Electrical Potentials
4. The Action Potential
5. Synaptic Transmission
6. Neurotransmitter Systems
7. Receptors and Signaling Pathways
8. Synaptic Plasticity
9. Neural Development
10. Molecular Basis of Neurological Disease
The Action Potential
Properties of the Action Potential
Threshold
Rising Phase (Depolarization)
Overshoot
Falling Phase (Repolarization)
Undershoot (After-hyperpolarization)
All-or-None Principle
Refractory Periods
Absolute Refractory Period
Relative Refractory Period
Action Potential Duration and Shape
The Molecular Basis of the Action Potential
Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels
Structure and Function
Channel States
Gating and Inactivation
Pharmacology
Tetrodotoxin (TTX)
Saxitoxin
Local Anesthetics
Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels
Structure and Function
The "Delayed Rectifier"
Channel Diversity
A-type Potassium Channels
Other Voltage-Gated Channels
Calcium Channels
Hyperpolarization-Activated Channels
Action Potential Conduction
Propagation Along the Axon
Local Circuit Currents
Unidirectional Propagation
Cable Properties
Factors Influencing Conduction Velocity
Axonal Diameter
Myelination
Effect on Capacitance and Resistance
Space Constant and Time Constant
Saltatory Conduction
Role of Nodes of Ranvier
Efficiency of Signal Transmission
Conduction Velocity Calculations
Action Potential Initiation
Axon Initial Segment
Threshold Mechanisms
Integration of Synaptic Inputs
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3. The Neuronal Membrane and Electrical Potentials
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5. Synaptic Transmission