Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Neuron Structure01:30

Neuron Structure

14.3K
Neurons are the main type of cell in the nervous system that generate and transmit electrochemical signals. They primarily communicate with each other using neurotransmitters at specific junctions called synapses. Neurons come in many shapes that often relate to their function, but most share three main structures: an axon and dendrites that extend out from a cell body.
Structure and Function of Neurons
The neuronal cell body—the soma— houses the nucleus and organelles vital to...
14.3K
Neuronal Communication01:28

Neuronal Communication

1.5K
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...
1.5K
Neurons as Communicators of the Brain01:22

Neurons as Communicators of the Brain

1.8K
Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, function as the primary transmitters of information throughout the body. Their ability to communicate through electrical and chemical signals is vital for every bodily function, from regulating the heartbeat to processing complex thoughts. Each neuron has three main components: the cell body (soma), dendrites, and an axon, each specialized to facilitate swift and efficient neural communication.
Cell Body
The cell body, also known...
1.8K
The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation01:19

The 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....
3.3K
Neural Circuits01:25

Neural Circuits

1.7K
Neural circuits and neuronal pools are two of the main structures found in the nervous system. Neural circuits are networks of neurons that work together to carry out a specific task or process. They consist of interconnected neurons and glial cells, which provide structural and metabolic support.
Neuronal pools are collections of nerve cells with similar functions and interact through chemical and electrical signals. These pools include both interneurons (the central neural circuit nodes that...
1.7K
Neurons: The Cell Body and the Dendrites01:23

Neurons: The Cell Body and the Dendrites

4.1K
A typical nerve cell comprises three main components: the cell body, dendrites, and the axon. The cell body, also known as the soma or perikaryon, serves as the central biosynthetic hub housing a nucleus surrounded by cytoplasm containing organelles commonly found in most cells. Notably, Nissl bodies, clusters of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosomes responsible for protein synthesis, are distinctive features of the neuronal cell body. As neurons age, aggregates of a brown pigment...
4.1K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Factorial variation of saccade vigor with dual decision processes.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·2025
Same author

Evidence for a coregulation of decision-making and movement generation.

Journal of neurophysiology·2025
Same author

Repeated seizure-induced brainstem neuroinflammation contributes to post-ictal ventilatory control dysfunction.

Frontiers in physiology·2024
Same author

Adapting Case Studies for Synchronous and Asynchronous Online Courses.

Journal of undergraduate neuroscience education : JUNE : a publication of FUN, Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience·2024
Same author

Neural mechanisms for executive control of speed-accuracy trade-off.

Cell reports·2023
Same author

Repeated seizures lead to progressive ventilatory dysfunction in SS<i><sup>Kcnj16-/-</sup></i> rats.

Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)·2023
Same journal

An Advanced Undergraduate Laboratory Course: Calcium Imaging and Data Analysis - a Mini Graduate Research Experience.

Journal of undergraduate neuroscience education : JUNE : a publication of FUN, Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience·2026
Same journal

Investigating the Neural Control of Social Behavior in <i>Drosophila ⁠melanogaster</i> Using a Low-Cost Optogenetics System.

Journal of undergraduate neuroscience education : JUNE : a publication of FUN, Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience·2026
Same journal

A Novel Practical Session to Teach Concepts of Allometric Scaling of Brain Structures to Undergraduate Students Using Vertebrate Brains.

Journal of undergraduate neuroscience education : JUNE : a publication of FUN, Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience·2026
Same journal

Mindset Variations Among Undergraduate Neuroscience Students.

Journal of undergraduate neuroscience education : JUNE : a publication of FUN, Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience·2026
Same journal

Undergraduate Student Experience and Motivation Influence Perceived Benefits of Participation in Community Outreach.

Journal of undergraduate neuroscience education : JUNE : a publication of FUN, Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience·2026
Same journal

Effect of Neutral and Negative Images on Galvanic Skin Response: An Activity for Courses in Forensic, Affective, and Behavioral Neuroscience.

Journal of undergraduate neuroscience education : JUNE : a publication of FUN, Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 23, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancing Large-Scale Neural Dynamics Through HD-MEA Technology
09:44

Author Spotlight: Advancing Large-Scale Neural Dynamics Through HD-MEA Technology

Published on: March 8, 2024

5.1K

The Simpsons Neuron: A Case Study Exploring Neuronal Coding and the Scientific Method for Introductory and Advanced

Katharine M Cammack1, Thomas R Reppert1, Denise R Cook-Snyder2,3

  • 1Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, The University of the South, Sewanee, TN, 37383.

Journal of Undergraduate Neuroscience Education : JUNE : a Publication of FUN, Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience
|May 11, 2022
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

A unique neuron was found to respond selectively to The Simpsons, offering insights into brain function. This case study enhances neuroscience education by engaging students with authentic data and research concepts.

Keywords:
action potentialcase studieshippocampusmemory recallneuronneuroscienceundergraduate

More Related Videos

Physiological, Morphological and Neurochemical Characterization of Neurons Modulated by Movement
07:04

Physiological, Morphological and Neurochemical Characterization of Neurons Modulated by Movement

Published on: April 21, 2011

13.9K
Biocytin Recovery and 3D Reconstructions of Filled Hippocampal CA2 Interneurons
11:21

Biocytin Recovery and 3D Reconstructions of Filled Hippocampal CA2 Interneurons

Published on: November 20, 2018

8.6K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Sep 23, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancing Large-Scale Neural Dynamics Through HD-MEA Technology
09:44

Author Spotlight: Advancing Large-Scale Neural Dynamics Through HD-MEA Technology

Published on: March 8, 2024

5.1K
Physiological, Morphological and Neurochemical Characterization of Neurons Modulated by Movement
07:04

Physiological, Morphological and Neurochemical Characterization of Neurons Modulated by Movement

Published on: April 21, 2011

13.9K
Biocytin Recovery and 3D Reconstructions of Filled Hippocampal CA2 Interneurons
11:21

Biocytin Recovery and 3D Reconstructions of Filled Hippocampal CA2 Interneurons

Published on: November 20, 2018

8.6K

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neurophysiology
  • Educational Neuroscience

Background:

  • Drug-resistant epilepsy necessitates advanced diagnostic and research methods.
  • Investigating neuronal responses to stimuli can reveal brain function and connectivity.
  • Authentic patient data provides valuable learning opportunities in neuroscience.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a unique case study involving selective neuronal response to The Simpsons.
  • To challenge students to analyze authentic neuroscience data and formulate hypotheses.
  • To explore the educational potential of a real-world neuroscience research scenario.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing depth electrodes for neuronal activity recording in a patient.
  • Presenting video clips, including The Simpsons, as stimuli.
  • Analyzing an authentic dataset from a 2008 *Science* paper.
  • Adapting the case for undergraduate neuroscience courses.

Main Results:

  • Identification of a neuron with selective responsiveness to The Simpsons.
  • Positive student engagement and reported gains in science competence and identity.
  • Successful implementation in introductory and advanced neuroscience curricula.

Conclusions:

  • This case study effectively integrates authentic research data into neuroscience education.
  • The findings highlight the potential for unexpected stimuli to reveal specific neuronal functions.
  • The educational approach can be adapted for various science disciplines and course levels.