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Introduction To RMP ND AP
Introduction To RMP ND AP
MEMBRANE
POTENTIAL
Transduction of signals at the cellular level
Resting Membrane Potential
Action Potential
Why do we need to know about
RMP and AP?
Transduction of signals at the
cellular level
Initial
segment AP
Neurotransmitter
Neurotransmitter
releasing
Nerve Impulse Transmission Within A
Neuron
For the nervous system to function, neurons must be able to
send and receive signals.
These signals are possible because each neuron has a
charged cellular membrane (a voltage difference between the
inside and the outside).
The charge of this membrane can change in response to
neurotransmitter molecules released from other neurons and
environmental stimuli.
Any voltage is a difference in electric potential between
two points; for example, the separation of positive and
negative electric charges on opposite sides of a resistive
barrier.
To understand how neurons communicate, one must first
understand the basis of charged membranes and the
baseline or ‘resting' membrane charge.
Preliminary knowledge
Proteins peripheral
integral non penetrating
penetrating (transmembrane)
Cell Membrane
» 2. (chemicaly gated)
R = Gas Constant
T = Absolute temperature (K)
E = The potential difference across the membrane
F = Faradays Constant (96,500 coulombs/mole)
z = Valency of ion
The Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz Equation
Is a mathematical equation applied in Physiology, to
determine the potential across a cell's membrane, taking
in account all the ions that are permeable through it.
Action potentials are the basic events the nerve cells use to transmit
information from one place to another.
ACTION POTENTIALS
Only neurons and muscles have action potentials (not all
neurons).
Due to voltage-gated Na+ channels.
Most in axons, at initial segment (axon hillock) and
nodes of Ranvier. A few in big dendrites where
depolarizations need a boost.
Channel ionic currents are studied by voltage clamps
and patch clamps.
ACTION POTENTIAL
When the cell membranes are
stimulated, there is a change in
the permeability of the
membrane to sodium ions (Na+).
The membrane becomes more
permeable to Na+ and K+,
therefore
1. Threshold - Membrane potential at which voltage gated
channels will open
2. Rising phase - as Na+ channels open membrane
potential begins to shift toward the equilibrium potential
for Na+ (Nernst Potential for Na+)
3. Overshoot - The point at which the membrane potential
becomes positive. The greater the overshoot potential the
further the membrane will stay above threshold
4. Peak - At the peak of the action potential the sodium
conductance begins to fall (Closure of the slow gate)
5. Repolarization - Inactivation of sodium channels and
opening of the K+ channels (Opening of the K+ voltage
channel slow gate) causes repolarization
6. Threshold - As the membrane potential passes back
through threshold the voltage gated channels reset (both
the Na+ and K+ channels)
Action Potential Generation
Action Potential Generation
Properties
Refractory periods are
times when it is either
impossible or more
difficult than normal to
generate a second
action potential.
Action Potential Generation
Properties
Absolute Refractory
During this period the
voltage gated channels
responsible for the action
potential have not reset
and therefore, do not
respond to stimulation.
Action Potential Generation
Properties
Relative Refractory
This period corresponds
to the positive after
potential period and due
to the hyperpolarization
of the cell it is more
difficult to generate a
second action potential.
Latent period
After a stimulus is applied to a nerve, there is a
latent period before the start of the action
potential.
This interval corresponds to the time it takes the
impulse to travel along the axon from the site of
stimulation to the recording electrodes.
Its duration is proportionate to the distance
between the stimulating and recording electrodes
and inversely proportionate to the speed of
conduction.
Smooth muscles
• Sensitive to stretch
• Slow wave potential
• Spike potential