PSYC 271 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Axon Hillock, Extracellular Fluid, Resting Potential
10 Oct 2018
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Must study membrane potential to understand how information is sent from dendrites to soma of a neuron to its terminals. Membrane potential: difference in electrical charge between the inside and the outside of a neuron. Need 2 electrodes to measure (intracellular and extracellular) When electrode tips in extracellular fluid electrical potential is zero. When the intracellular electrode tip inside resting neuron, potential jumps to apprxx -70 mv; inside 70 less than outside. 70mv is known as the resting potential. Exists b/c of + and charged distribution of ions in the membrane: Na+ and cl- concentration higher outside of neurons, and concentration k+ higher inside. Changes in membrane potential produced by the action of neurotransmitters released by presynaptic neurons and their effects when binding on postsynaptic. Conduction is passive like electricity through a cable. Excitatory postsynaptic neurons (epsps) are depolarizations; increase the likelihood that a neuron will fire.
