Learning Objectives

• Outline the roles of the various types of ions channels present in membranes of excitable cells
• Describe the functional role of the Na+K+ pump
• Explain the ionic basis for the resting membrane potential
• Apply the Nernst and Goldman equations to investigate parameters that alter MP
• Explain the ionic movements responsible for the phases of an action potential
• Describe the processes responsible for refractory periods and apply these to explain the mechanism for coding of stimulus intensity
• Explain how action potentials are propagated and describe the factors that affect conduction velocity
• Describe the sequence of events in the process of synaptic neurotransmission
• Outline the different types of synaptic potential evoked by neurotransmitters, and outline how they integrate in a functional network
• Compare the processes involved in activation of ionotropic and metabotropic (GPCR) receptors
• Outline the role of neurotransmitters, and alterations in GPCR function, in disease and responses to toxins

Resting Membrane Potential

• define resting membrane potential (RMP)? normal value?
• what factors is the RMP due to?
• why is the RMP negative?
• what happens to RMP if you block $\small\ce{K^+}$ channels?
• what is an equilibrium potential?

Membrane Potential