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Related Concept Videos

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.
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...
Electrochemical Gradient and Channel Proteins: An Overview01:21

Electrochemical Gradient and Channel Proteins: An Overview

An electrochemical gradient is a fundamental concept in biology and chemistry. It regulates the movement of ions across cell membranes. This movement is influenced by two factors:
The electrical gradient: The electrical gradient across cell membranes refers to the difference in electric charge between the inside and outside of a cell.  This difference drives the movement of ions towards or away from the cells. For instance, if the inside of the cell is more negatively charged relative to the...
Action Potential: Phases of Stimulation01:28

Action Potential: Phases of Stimulation

The action potential is a complex electrical event that occurs in excitable cells, such as neurons and muscle cells. It consists of several distinct phases, each with specific characteristics.
Resting Phase:
In this phase, the cell's membrane is at its resting potential, typically around -70 millivolts (mV) for neurons. Inside the cell, there is a higher concentration of potassium ions (K+) and a lower concentration of sodium ions (Na+). Voltage-gated sodium channels are closed, and...
Neurons: The Axon01:21

Neurons: The Axon

Axons are long, cytoplasmic processes of nerve cells capable of propagating electrical impulses known as action potentials. The cytoplasm or axoplasm of an axon contains neurofibrils, neurotubules, small vesicles, lysosomes, mitochondria, and various enzymes, all encased within the axolemma, the plasma membrane of the axon.
The axon attaches to the cell body at a cone-shaped elevation called the axon hillock. The initial part of the axon, closest to the hillock, is known as the initial segment.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Use of Primary Cultured Hippocampal Neurons to Study the Assembly of Axon Initial Segments
06:53

Use of Primary Cultured Hippocampal Neurons to Study the Assembly of Axon Initial Segments

Published on: February 12, 2021

Electrogenic tuning of the axon initial segment.

Brian D Clark1, Ethan M Goldberg, Bernardo Rudy

  • 1Smilow Neuroscience Program, and Departments of Physiology and Neuroscience and Biochemistry, Smilow Research Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.

The Neuroscientist : a Review Journal Bringing Neurobiology, Neurology and Psychiatry
|December 17, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Action potentials (APs) are initiated in the axon initial segment (AIS), a specialized neuronal region. Recent findings reveal the AIS also modulates these crucial electrical signals via specific ion channels.

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Area of Science:

  • Neurobiology
  • Cellular Neuroscience
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Action potentials (APs) are fundamental for neural information transmission.
  • The precise initiation site of APs in neurons has been a long-standing question in neurobiology.
  • The axon initial segment (AIS) is recognized as the primary site for AP initiation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the organization and function of the axon initial segment (AIS).
  • To highlight recent insights into the electrical signaling properties of the AIS.
  • To explore the role of the AIS in AP modulation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and recent research findings.
  • Analysis of studies focusing on AIS structure and function.
  • Examination of research on ion channel localization and activity within the AIS.

Main Results:

  • The AIS is a discrete, specialized domain crucial for AP initiation.
  • Recent studies provide significant insights into the AIS's electrical signaling capabilities.
  • The AIS is also implicated in the complex modulation of APs.

Conclusions:

  • The axon initial segment (AIS) is a critical hub for both initiating and modulating neuronal electrical activity.
  • Specific ion channels within the AIS contribute to sophisticated AP modulation.
  • Understanding the AIS is key to comprehending neural information processing.