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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Modeling Biological Membranes with Circuit Boards and Measuring Electrical Signals in Axons: Student Laboratory Exercises

Modeling Biological Membranes with Circuit Boards and Measuring Electrical Signals in Axons: Student Laboratory Exercises

Published on: January 18, 2011

LONGITUDINAL IMPEDANCE OF THE SQUID GIANT AXON.

K S Cole¹, R F Baker

¹Department of Physiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, and the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

The Journal of General Physiology

|October 30, 2009

Summary

This study reveals inductive properties within squid giant axon membranes using alternating current impedance measurements. These findings suggest a novel equivalent circuit model for neuronal membranes.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Biophysics
Electrical Engineering

Background:

Understanding neuronal membrane electrical properties is crucial for neuroscience.
Previous studies determined the dielectric characteristics of the squid giant axon membrane.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the longitudinal alternating current impedance of the squid giant axon.
To characterize the electrical properties of the neuronal membrane, including inductive components.

Main Methods:

Longitudinal alternating current impedance measurements were performed on squid giant axons.
Measurements spanned a frequency range from 30 Hz to 200 kHz.
Large seawater electrodes were used, with the inter-electrode length immersed in oil.

Main Results:

High-frequency impedance aligned with theoretical predictions based on membrane dielectric characteristics.
Axon impedance exhibited a maximum at low frequencies, with reactance vanishing between 150-300 Hz.
Inductive reactance was observed below this frequency, indicating an inductive structure within the axon membrane.

Conclusions:

The squid giant axon membrane possesses inductive properties.
An equivalent circuit model for the membrane includes inductance, capacitance, and resistance.
The membrane's capacity is 1 microfarad with dielectric loss, shunted by a series combination of 400 ohms resistance and 0.2 henry inductance per square centimeter.