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Related Concept Videos

Electrical Synapses01:28

Electrical Synapses

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Electrical synapses found in all nervous systems play important and unique roles. In these synapses, the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes are very close together (3.5 nm) and are actually physically connected by channel proteins forming gap junctions.
Gap junctions allow the current to pass directly from one cell to the next. In contrast, in the chemical synapse, the neurotransmitters carry the information through the synaptic cleft from one neuron to the next. They consist of two...
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Synaptic Signaling01:09

Synaptic Signaling

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Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
Most synapses are chemical, meaning an electrical impulse or action potential spurs the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The neuron sending the signal is called the presynaptic neuron, and the neuron receiving the signal is the postsynaptic neuron.
The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...
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Synaptic Signaling01:12

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Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
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Electrochemical Gradient and Channel Proteins: An Overview01:21

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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:
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Neuronal Communication01:28

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Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, communicate through complex electrochemical signals that underpin all cognitive and bodily functions. This communication is primarily facilitated by a process involving the generation and propagation of an action potential along the axon of the neuron. When the internal electrical charge of a neuron surpasses a certain threshold, an action potential is triggered. This rapid change in voltage travels swiftly along the axon to the...
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The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation01:19

The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation

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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....
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 27, 2026

External Excitation of Neurons Using Electric and Magnetic Fields in One- and Two-dimensional Cultures
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External Excitation of Neurons Using Electric and Magnetic Fields in One- and Two-dimensional Cultures

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Electrical stimuli in the central nervous system microenvironment.

Deanna M Thompson1, Abigail N Koppes, John G Hardy

  • 1Department of Biomedical Engineering and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180;

Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering
|July 12, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Electrical stimulation of the central nervous system (CNS) has a long history and is now used in treatments like deep brain stimulation (DBS) and functional electrical stimulation (FES) for neurological disorders and injuries.

Keywords:
braindeep brain stimulation (DBS)electrodefunctional electrical stimulation (FES)galvanotaxisspinal cord

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Neuromodulation

Background:

  • Electrical stimulation of the central nervous system (CNS) has been utilized since the 1750s.
  • Current applications include deep brain stimulation (DBS), cochlear implants, visual prosthetics, and functional electrical stimulation (FES).
  • These technologies address a range of neurological diseases, disorders, and injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the historical development of CNS electrical stimulation.
  • To highlight recent advancements in electrical stimulation therapies.
  • To discuss the role of electrical cues in neural development, injury response, and regeneration.

Main Methods:

  • Historical review of electrical stimulation techniques.
  • Description of current clinical applications of DBS, FES, and neuroprosthetics.
  • Discussion of research on electrical cues in neural tissue regeneration.

Main Results:

  • Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is effective for essential tremor, Parkinson's disease, and depression.
  • Functional electrical stimulation (FES) aids in treating spinal cord injuries.
  • Neuroprosthetics like retinal and cochlear implants restore vision and hearing.

Conclusions:

  • Electrical stimulation is a versatile tool for managing neurological conditions.
  • Understanding and manipulating electrical cues holds potential for neural tissue regeneration.
  • Continued innovation in electrical stimulation therapies promises improved patient outcomes.