Membrane Potential and the Passive Electrical Properties of the Neuron - The Functional Properties of the Neuron Can Be Represented as an Electrical Equivalent Circuit

5 important questions on Membrane Potential and the Passive Electrical Properties of the Neuron - The Functional Properties of the Neuron Can Be Represented as an Electrical Equivalent Circuit

What does the model 'equivalent circuit' explain?

How the current caused by movement of ions generates signals in Nerve cells.

What is the equivalent of a capacitor in a nerve cell?

The membrane, as it seperates two highly conductive liquids.

Why is the cell membrane also called a 'leaky capacitor'?

It has open ion channels that allow current to flow.
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What is the equivalent of a 'resistor' in the model of equivalent circuits?

The ion channels

How come there is also a battery involved in the equivalent circuit?

The battery stands for the generation of elektrochemical force, which is caused by the different chemical potentials inside and outside the cell.

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