Let us consider a basic schematic membrane, with one side of it being the intracellular side and the other side being the extracellular one. We use a voltmeter, which has a ground electrode that we place outside of the cell and the other end of the electrode that we place inside of the cell, to measure the difference in voltage between the intracellular and extracellular … Continue reading Equilibrium & Potentials
To completely understand resting potential, we need to take a look two basic phenomena in nature: diffusion and electrostatics. Diffusion is the process by which particles spread out or mix, for instance, in a solution. Take for example a beaker of water. Imagine that you drop a bit of dye into the beaker and wait. After the initial ‘splash’ of the dye falling into the … Continue reading Diffusion & Electrostatics
Although there are many different kinds of neurons in the nervous system, the same basic electrical principles underlie their function. Before we can get into the complexities of neuronal signaling, let us take a look at the electrical principles that are in play when the cell is at rest. When you look at a typical neuron, you can see that it has a variety of … Continue reading Resting Potential & Voltage
Neurology is a very intriguing field of human anatomy and medicine that deals with the function, structure, influence, and disorders of the nervous system. To start off, the nervous system is the major control, regulatory, and communication system in the body. It is made up of a complex network of nerves and neurons that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to … Continue reading The History of Bioelectricity
BioLogically 