MOOC

Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function

Description

The function of the brain is to govern behavior, and the aim of this course is to causally link biophysical mechanisms with simple behaviors studied in mice. The brain processes information through the concerted activity of many neurons, which communicate with each other through synapses organised in highly dynamic networks. The first goal of the course is to gain a detailed understanding of the structure and function of the fundamental building blocks of the mammalian brain, its synapses and neurons (Weeks 1-3). The second goal is to understand neuronal networks, with specific emphasis on the interactions of excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic neurons (Weeks 4 and 5). The third goal is to place neuronal network function in the context of sensory processing ultimately leading to behavioral decisions and motor output (Weeks 6 and 7).

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Lectures in this MOOC (35)

Voltage-gated channels MOOC: Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function

Explores the cellular mechanisms of brain function through voltage-gated ion channels and their role in regulating membrane potential.

In vivo electrophysiology MOOC: Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function

Explores in vivo electrophysiology techniques for studying brain function through extracellular potentials and whole-cell recordings.

Sensorimotor Interactions MOOC: Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function

Delves into the cellular mechanisms of sensorimotor interactions in the brain, emphasizing whisker movement control.

Reward-based Learning: Cellular Mechanisms MOOC: Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function

Explores reward-based learning in neuronal networks and the role of dopamine in synaptic plasticity.

GABAergic inhibition MOOC: Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Function

Explores the cellular mechanisms of GABAergic inhibition in the brain and the role of GABA receptors.

Related concepts (32)

Membrane potential

Membrane potential (also transmembrane potential or membrane voltage) is the difference in electric potential between the interior and the exterior of a biological cell. That is, there is a difference in the energy required for electric charges to move from the internal to exterior cellular environments and vice versa, as long as there is no acquisition of kinetic energy or the production of radiation. The concentration gradients of the charges directly determine this energy requirement.

Action potential

An action potential occurs when the membrane potential of a specific cell rapidly rises and falls. This depolarization then causes adjacent locations to similarly depolarize. Action potentials occur in several types of animal cells, called excitable cells, which include neurons, muscle cells, and in some plant cells. Certain endocrine cells such as pancreatic beta cells, and certain cells of the anterior pituitary gland are also excitable cells.

Sodium channel

Sodium channels are integral membrane proteins that form ion channels, conducting sodium ions (Na+) through a cell's membrane. They belong to the superfamily of cation channels. They are classified into 2 types: In excitable cells such as neurons, myocytes, and certain types of glia, sodium channels are responsible for the rising phase of action potentials. These channels go through three different states called resting, active and inactive states.