Read the summary and the most important questions on Principles of Neural Science, Fifth Edition | 9780071810012 | Eric Kandel; James Schwartz; Thomas Jessell; Steven Siegelbaum; A. J. Hudspeth

• 6 Membrane Potential and the Passive Electrical Properties of the Neuron

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• What is the main message of Chapter 6?

  Neuronal signaling makes use of transient electrical currents that deviate from the resting membrane potential, which is constructed by open and gated ion channels.

• How can a neuron carry information to target cells?

  By transient electrical signaling, induced by synaptic and receptor potentials and carried by action potentials.

• 6.1 The Resting Membrane Potential Results from the Seperation of Charge Across the Cell Membrane

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• How is the membrane potential defined?

  Vm = Vinside - Voutside

• Is a neuron that is depolarized more or less negative than the resting membrane potential?

  Less negative as the charge difference (V) is closer to 0 V.

• Are electrotonic potentials the result of voltage gated ion channels?

  No. They rely on passive channel fluxes.

• 6.3 The Balance of Ion Fluxes That Maintains the Resting Membrane Potential Is Abolished During the Action Potential

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• How can an action potential start?

  The membrane depolarises just enough for voltage Na+ channels to open, increasing the influx of Na+ into the cell.

• Why does the membrane potential almost reach the equilibrium potential for Na+ during an action potential?

  Many open and voltage gated Na+ channels are open, which vastly outnumbers the flux through other ion channels.

• How is the sharp drop in membrane potential just after the action potential explained?

  The gradual closing of voltage gated Na+ channels and the continuous efflux of K+ through both open and voltage gated channels.

• 6.4 The Contributions of Different Ions to the Resting Membrane Potential Can Be Quantified by the Goldman Equation

• What does the Goldman Equation explain?

  The relative contribution of every ion (concentration and permeability) to the membrane potential.

• 6.5 The Functional Properties of the Neuron Can Be Represented as an Electrical Equivalent Circuit

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• What is a major limitation of the Goldman Equation?

  It cannot be used to determine time parameters for changes in the membrane potential in response to changes in permeability.