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Action Potentials

Action Potentials

Neurons: The Axon

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....

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...

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...

The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation

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....

Neuronal Communication

Neuronal Communication

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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 22, 2025

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

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

Published on: May 7, 2017

Extracellular Axon Stimulation.

Carola Städele¹, Margaret Louise DeMaegd¹, Wolfgang Stein¹

¹School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, USA.

|August 30, 2021

Summary

This protocol details extracellular axon stimulation, a key electrophysiological technique for studying neuronal function. It enables precise control over action potential firing and provides insights into nerve communication speed and neuron health.

Keywords:

Action potentials Anode Artifact Cathode Electrophysiology Neuron Threshold

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Physiological Recordings of High and Low Output NMJs on the Crayfish Leg Extensor Muscle

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Last Updated: Oct 22, 2025

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

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

Published on: May 7, 2017

Author Spotlight: Advancing Spinal Cord Stimulation - Exploring the Cellular Responses of Motor Neurons Through Patch-Clamp Electrophysiology

Author Spotlight: Advancing Spinal Cord Stimulation - Exploring the Cellular Responses of Motor Neurons Through Patch-Clamp Electrophysiology

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Physiological Recordings of High and Low Output NMJs on the Crayfish Leg Extensor Muscle

Physiological Recordings of High and Low Output NMJs on the Crayfish Leg Extensor Muscle

Published on: November 17, 2010

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Electrophysiology

Background:

Extracellular axon stimulation is a classical technique in neurophysiology.
It is essential for electrophysiological examinations of neuronal function.
This method is fundamental for brain research.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide a detailed protocol for performing extracellular axon stimulations.
To explain how to stimulate and record action potentials in axons.
To highlight the utility of this technique in neurophysiology.

Main Methods:

Detailed protocol for extracellular axon stimulation.
Stimulation and recording of action potentials in axons within fiber bundles.
Control of action potential firing frequency.

Main Results:

Enables activation of individual or multiple axons.
Allows for precise control over neuronal firing frequency.
Provides data on neuronal communication speed and neuron health.

Conclusions:

Extracellular axon stimulation is a versatile tool in neurophysiology.
This technique is crucial for understanding neuronal communication.
The protocol facilitates research into neuron health and function.