Mediaspace scheduled maintenance: Aug 25, 2026 07:00 - 12:00 AM. During this time, videos will be temporarily unavailable. Check status updates.

Lecture

Neurons and Synapses: Overview

Description

This lecture introduces the basics of computational neuroscience, focusing on single neuron models. Topics covered include the passive membrane, leaky integrate-and-fire model, and synapses. The lecture also delves into the quality of integrate-and-fire models, Hodgkin-Huxley type models, and noise and variability in integrate-and-fire models.

In MOOC

Neuronal Dynamics - Computational Neuroscience of Single Neurons

Official source

Related concepts (32)

Biological neuron model

Biological neuron models, also known as a spiking neuron models, are mathematical descriptions of the properties of certain cells in the nervous system that generate sharp electrical potentials across their cell membrane, roughly one millisecond in duration, called action potentials or spikes (Fig. 2). Since spikes are transmitted along the axon and synapses from the sending neuron to many other neurons, spiking neurons are considered to be a major information processing unit of the nervous system.

Chemical synapse

Chemical synapses are biological junctions through which neurons' signals can be sent to each other and to non-neuronal cells such as those in muscles or glands. Chemical synapses allow neurons to form circuits within the central nervous system. They are crucial to the biological computations that underlie perception and thought. They allow the nervous system to connect to and control other systems of the body. At a chemical synapse, one neuron releases neurotransmitter molecules into a small space (the synaptic cleft) that is adjacent to another neuron.

Neuron

Within a nervous system, a neuron, neurone, or nerve cell is an electrically excitable cell that fires electric signals called action potentials across a neural network. Neurons communicate with other cells via synapses - specialized connections that commonly use minute amounts of chemical neurotransmitters to pass the electric signal from the presynaptic neuron to the target cell through the synaptic gap. The neuron is the main component of nervous tissue in all animals except sponges and placozoa.

Synapse

In the nervous system, a synapse is a structure that permits a neuron (or nerve cell) to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron or to the target effector cell. Synapses are essential to the transmission of nervous impulses from one neuron to another. Neurons are specialized to pass signals to individual target cells, and synapses are the means by which they do so. At a synapse, the plasma membrane of the signal-passing neuron (the presynaptic neuron) comes into close apposition with the membrane of the target (postsynaptic) cell.

Computational neuroscience

Computational neuroscience (also known as theoretical neuroscience or mathematical neuroscience) is a branch of neuroscience which employs mathematical models, computer simulations, theoretical analysis and abstractions of the brain to understand the principles that govern the development, structure, physiology and cognitive abilities of the nervous system. Computational neuroscience employs computational simulations to validate and solve mathematical models, and so can be seen as a sub-field of theoretical neuroscience; however, the two fields are often synonymous.

Related lectures (33)

Scientific Computing in Neuroscience

Explores the history and tools of scientific computing in neuroscience, emphasizing the simulation of neurons and networks.

In Silico Neuroscience: Ion Channels and Neuronal Models

Explores detailed modeling of ion channels and neuronal morphologies in in silico neuroscience, covering neuron classification, ion channel kinetics, and experimental observations.

Dendrite as a Cable MOOC: Neuronal Dynamics - Computational Neuroscience of Single Neurons

Discusses dendrites as cables, covering the cable equation derivation and current conservation in coupled compartments.

Introduction into the module MOOC: Simulation Neurocience

Introduces nerve cells' electrical activity, focusing on spikes and synaptic potentials.

Optimization of Neuroprosthetic Systems