NROB60H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Critical Role, Active Transport, Nernst Equation
Document Summary
A simple reflex requires the ns to collect, distribute, and integrate information. Goal of cellular neurophysiology is to understand the biological mechanisms that underlie these functions. Neuron solves the problem of conducting information over a distance by using electrical signals that sweep along the axon. Type of signal used by the neuron is constrained by the special environment of the ns. Information can be transferred over long distances at a high rate (1/2 speed of light). A telephone wire is a superb conductor of electrons, is well insulated, and is suspended in air (air being a poor conductor). In contrast, electrical charge in the cytosol of the axon is carried by electrically charged atoms (ions) instead of free electrons. Makes cytosol far less conductive than copper wire. Axon is not especially well insulated and is bathed in salty extracellular fluid, which conducts electricity. Electrical current flowing down the axon would not go very far before it would leak out.
