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Related Concept Videos

Neural Circuits01:25

Neural Circuits

Neural circuits and neuronal pools are two of the main structures found in the nervous system. Neural circuits are networks of neurons that work together to carry out a specific task or process. They consist of interconnected neurons and glial cells, which provide structural and metabolic support.
Neuronal pools are collections of nerve cells with similar functions and interact through chemical and electrical signals. These pools include both interneurons (the central neural circuit nodes that...
The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation01:19

The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation

A postsynaptic neuron usually receives numerous impulses from several other presynaptic neurons. The axon hillock of the postsynaptic neuron integrates all these signals and determines the likelihood of firing an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential.
Propagation of Action Potentials01:23

Propagation of Action Potentials

The propagation of an action potential refers to the process by which a nerve impulse, or "action potential," travels along a neuron.
Neurons (nerve cells) have a resting membrane potential, with a slightly negative charge inside compared to outside. This is maintained by ion channels, such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) channels, which control the flow of ions. When a stimulus, like a touch or a signal from another neuron, triggers the neuron, sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to...
Action Potential01:14

Action Potential

Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Action Potential01:14

Action Potential

Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex01:23

Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex

The somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobes is crucial for interpreting sensory data such as touch, temperature, and proprioception. The somatosensory cortex, situated in the parietal lobes, plays a vital role in interpreting sensory information like touch, temperature, and proprioception—awareness of body position. This specialized brain region features an organized structure wherein neurons at the top primarily process sensations originating from the lower body. In contrast, those at the...

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Related Experiment Video

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Multi-electrode Array Recordings of Neuronal Avalanches in Organotypic Cultures
16:01

Multi-electrode Array Recordings of Neuronal Avalanches in Organotypic Cultures

Published on: August 1, 2011

Persistently active, pacemaker-like neurons in neocortex.

Morgane Le Bon-Jego1, Rafael Yuste

  • 1HHMI, Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University New York, NY 10027, USA.

Frontiers in Neuroscience
|November 5, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers identified specific neurons in the mouse neocortex that act as pacemakers. These cells, including pyramidal neurons and Martinotti cells, generate spontaneous brain activity through intrinsic mechanisms.

Keywords:
CPGFAPMartinottipersistent sodium

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Multi-electrode Array Recordings of Neuronal Avalanches in Organotypic Cultures
16:01

Multi-electrode Array Recordings of Neuronal Avalanches in Organotypic Cultures

Published on: August 1, 2011

Recording Gamma Band Oscillations in Pedunculopontine Nucleus Neurons
09:04

Recording Gamma Band Oscillations in Pedunculopontine Nucleus Neurons

Published on: September 14, 2016

Large-scale Three-dimensional Imaging of Cellular Organization in the Mouse Neocortex
09:55

Large-scale Three-dimensional Imaging of Cellular Organization in the Mouse Neocortex

Published on: September 5, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cellular Neuroscience

Background:

  • The neocortex exhibits spontaneous, patterned activity, but its origin is not fully understood.
  • Identifying the source of this self-generated activity is crucial for understanding brain function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify "pacemaker cells" responsible for spontaneous activity in the juvenile mouse visual cortex.
  • To characterize the electrophysiological and morphological properties of these potential pacemaker neurons.

Main Methods:

  • Used calcium imaging in brain slices to detect neurons firing action potentials without synaptic transmission.
  • Performed electrophysiological and morphological characterization of identified neurons.

Main Results:

  • Identified two classes of neurons exhibiting pacemaker properties: pyramidal neurons and layer 5 Martinotti cells.
  • Found that persistent sodium currents are essential for spontaneous activity generation in both neuron types.
  • Demonstrated intrinsic mechanisms within these neurons for generating persistent activity.

Conclusions:

  • Subtypes of neocortical neurons possess intrinsic mechanisms to generate persistent activity.
  • These neurons may function as pacemakers, initiating or patterning spontaneous neocortical activity, analogous to central pattern generators (CPGs).