Lesson 4
Lesson 4
Lesson 4
high-level
nervous activity
Lesson 4
Dr. NGUYEN Truong-Thanh Hai (PhD)
CONTENTS
3
1. Neuronal Excitation Mechanisms
1.1 Action Potentials as the Language of Neurons
Neurons communicate via action potentials,
which are electrical impulses.
Generation of Action Potentials:
• Starts when a neuron receives a sufficient
stimulus to reach its threshold potential.
• Voltage-gated sodium (Na+) channels
open, allowing Na+ ions to enter the
neuron, causing depolarization.
• The depolarization travels along the
axon, propagating the action potential to
the neuron’s terminals.
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2. Synaptic Transmission
2.1 Chemical Synapses
Neurotransmitters mediate
communication between neurons.
An action potential arriving at the axon
terminal triggers neurotransmitter
release.
Neurotransmitters cross the synaptic cleft
and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic
neuron, generating postsynaptic
potentials (either excitatory or inhibitory).
Direct electrical
communication
between neurons via gap
junctions.
Faster than chemical
synapses, used in regions
requiring synchronized
activity, such as in
rapid reflexes.
Neurotransmitter Release:
• An action potential triggers the
opening of voltage-gated
calcium channels, allowing
Ca2+ to enter the presynaptic
terminal.
• This calcium influx causes
synaptic vesicles to release
neurotransmitters into the
synaptic cleft.
Receptor Binding:
Neurotransmitters bind to specific
receptors on the postsynaptic
membrane, inducing postsynaptic
potentials:
• EPSP (Excitatory Postsynaptic
Potential) = Depolarization.
• IPSP (Inhibitory Postsynaptic
Potential) = Hyperpolarization.
Postsynaptic
Potential Generation:
The summation of
EPSPs and IPSPs
determines if the
neuron will generate
its own action
potential.
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3. New Discoveries
3.1 Orexin
Regulates arousal,
wakefulness, and
appetite.
Disruptions in orexin
signaling are linked to
sleep disorders like
narcolepsy.
Orexin receptors are
promising targets for new
treatments for insomnia
and other sleep-related
conditions.
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4. Case Study
4.1 Neuronal Excitation Mechanisms
1. Case Study on Epileptic Seizures: A patient has been diagnosed with
epilepsy, characterized by abnormal, excessive neuronal firing. Based on
your understanding of action potential generation and propagation,
explain how an imbalance in ionic movements might contribute to the
condition. Discuss possible treatments aimed at restoring normal neuronal
activity.