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Lecture9 BiologicalNeuralNetworks
Lecture9 BiologicalNeuralNetworks
• At rest the Na channels are largely closed and only very little Na can flow in
• The K and Cl channels are somewhat open yielding a rest potential of -70mV
• No net current flow; concentration gradient of ions is actively maintained
with ion-pumps and exchangers (these proteins move ions across the
membrane at the expense of energy)
Model passive neuron model (at resting voltage) using resistors and capacitors of a
single compartment cell:
Chemical synapse:
• Separation is 20-40nm: no physical contact
• Transmission is mediated by the release in this inter-synaptic space of
neurotransmitters (generated at the end of the axon of the presynaptic
neuron)
• Action potential arrives at synapse opening of some neurotransmitter
vesicles near the membrane release and diffusion of a large number of
neurotransmitters neurotransmitters have affinity for certain molecular
receptors in the postsynaptic membrane binding induces the opening of
specific ionic channels depolarization or hyperpolarizes of postsynaptic
membrane + released vesicles replaced by others from a reserve pool of
vesicles
Both cases result in a flux of ions through the postsynaptic membrane
synaptic current Isyn