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Propagation of Action Potentials

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 Potentials

Action Potentials

Action Potential

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 Potential

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...

Cardiac Action Potential

Cardiac Action Potential

Cardiac action potentials are essential for proper heart function, enabling the rhythmic contractions needed for adequate blood circulation. Nodal cells and Purkinje fibers, specialized for electrical conduction, generate these action potentials.
The cardiac action potential process involves a series of phases characterized by the movement of ions across the cardiac cell membranes, leading to the depolarization and repolarization of the cardiac myocytes.
Ionic Basis of Cardiac Action Potentials

Action Potential: Phases of Stimulation

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Biomolecular Detection employing the Interferometric Reflectance Imaging Sensor IRIS

Biomolecular Detection employing the Interferometric Reflectance Imaging Sensor IRIS

Published on: May 3, 2011

Full-field interferometric imaging of propagating action potentials.

Tong Ling^1,2, Kevin C Boyle³, Georges Goetz¹

¹1Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA.

Light, Science & Applications

|December 20, 2018

Summary

Researchers developed a new method for imaging cellular action potentials using interferometry. This label-free technique detects membrane movement, offering high temporal resolution without the drawbacks of current methods.

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Last Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Biomolecular Detection employing the Interferometric Reflectance Imaging Sensor IRIS

Biomolecular Detection employing the Interferometric Reflectance Imaging Sensor IRIS

Published on: May 3, 2011

Full-field Strain Measurements for Microstructurally Small Fatigue Crack Propagation Using Digital Image Correlation Method

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Optical Mapping of Action Potentials and Calcium Transients in the Mouse Heart

Optical Mapping of Action Potentials and Calcium Transients in the Mouse Heart

Published on: September 13, 2011

Area of Science:

Biophysics
Cellular Neuroscience
Optical Imaging

Background:

Current cellular action potential detection relies on electrical recordings or fluorescent probes.
Calcium imaging offers low temporal resolution, while voltage indicators face phototoxicity and photobleaching issues.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce a novel all-optical method for imaging individual action potentials.
To overcome the limitations of existing techniques for detecting cellular electrical activity.

Main Methods:

Utilized full-field interferometric imaging to detect membrane movement during action potentials.
Employed spike-triggered averaging synchronized with electrical recordings.
Developed a sensitivity enhancement algorithm for all-optical spike detection using high-speed imaging and spatial averaging.

Main Results:

Demonstrated detection of membrane deformations up to 3 nm (0.9 mrad) during action potentials in HEK-293 cells.
Achieved a rise time of 4 ms, with optically recorded spike time courses matching electrical waveforms.
Showcased all-optical detection of propagating action potentials without exogenous labels or electrodes.

Conclusions:

Full-field interferometric imaging provides a label-free, high-temporal-resolution method for detecting cellular action potentials.
The developed technique overcomes limitations of current calcium imaging and voltage-sensitive dyes.
This approach enables all-optical imaging of action potential propagation.