Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 7, 2025
10:50
Computational Modeling of Retinal Neurons for Visual Prosthesis Research - Fundamental Approaches
Published on: June 21, 2022
1.9K
Hyperbolic equations for neuronal membrane deformation waves accompanying an action potential
Marie R Kotikova1, Anton V Chizhov2
1Ioffe Institute, Politekhnicheskaya str., 26, 194021, St.-Petersburg, Russia.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|January 7, 2022
Summary
Nerve impulse propagation causes axon mechanical deformation. Researchers developed a model linking electrical activity to these physical changes, aiding non-invasive neuronal imaging.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Neuroscience
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Action potential propagation along axons is known to induce mechanical deformations.
- The precise biophysical mechanisms linking electrical signals to mechanical changes remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the mechanical deformations accompanying action potential propagation.
- To develop a predictive model for neuronal mechanical responses to electrical activity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized fluid dynamics equations, Laplace's law for surface tension, Hooke's law, and Lippmann's law.
- Derived a minimal, one-dimensional hyperbolic system of equations to model the phenomenon.
Main Results:
- The model qualitatively reproduces mechanical membrane deformations caused by action potential propagation.
- The model also captures deformations resulting from stepwise changes in membrane potential.
Conclusions:
- A quantitative understanding of the relationship between neuronal electrical activity and mechanical deformation has been established.
- This understanding offers potential for developing non-invasive techniques for imaging neuronal activity.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:31Action Potential
3.1K
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...
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
3.1K
01:41Action Potentials
134.5K
Overview
134.5K
01:23Propagation of Action Potentials
7.3K
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...
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...
7.3K
01:19The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation
3.3K
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....
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....
3.3K
01:21Electrochemical Gradient and Channel Proteins: An Overview
3.1K
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 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...
3.1K
01:28Action Potential: Phases of Stimulation
8.1K
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...
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...
8.1K