Title: Computer Simulations of Basic Neuronal Function
Url: http://www.ableweb.org/volumes/vol-16/12-haag.pdf
Author: Maggie Haag
Author's Address: University of Alberta, Department of Biological Sciences, Alberta
Description: This laboratory utilizes two user-friendly computer programs from Neurosim (Biosoft, Cambridge, U.K.) that demonstrate various aspects of electrophysiological functions of neurons without sacrificing experimental animals. One program simulates passive conduction in a long length of axon while the second program simulates the Hodgkin-Huxley equations for the production of an action potential. While these programs allow students to try experimental manipulations that parallel those done in real electrophysiological experiments (changing ionic concentrations or voltage stimulus, effects of various drugs, etc.) it also allows them to change some of the inherent properties of neurons, such as membrane resistance and axon resistance. This enables one to see how neurons of different physical characteristics differ in their electrical behavior. This laboratory is suitable for students of varying backgrounds.
Keywords: neurophysiology
neurons
conduction
computer simulation
biphasic action potential
axon
Topic: Animal Physiology
BEN Subject/Discipline Taxonomy: Neurobiology
Learning Resource Type: Software (DCMI Type Vocabulary)
Simulation (DCMI Type Vocabulary)
Laboratory exercise (DCMI Type Vocabulary)
Context: Undergraduate upper division 15-16
Undergraduate lower division 13-14
Format: pdf
Access Rights: This resource is open access.
Rights: http://www.ableweb.org/volumes/copyright.htm
Conference Location & Year: Emory University (1994)
Cumulative Rating: NOT YET RATED
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