Neurobiology and Cellular Neurophysiology

The objective of this course is the morpho-functional study of the cells of the nervous system (neurons, glial cells), namely: the description of the mechanisms involved in neuronal excitability (generation and propagation of action potentials) and neurotransmission (mechanisms of release and synthesis of neurotransmitters and the structure and function of neurotransmitter receptors). The concepts of synaptic plasticity are also developed.

-Knowledge:

At the cellular level: generation and propagation of the electrical message, concept of resting potential, properties of ion channels, action potential. Knowledge of the function of the different types of glial cells.

               At the tissue level: Cellular communication (astrocyte-neuron / neuron-neuron), neurotransmission mechanism (release of neurotransmitters, type of receptors and their effects), mechanisms of synaptic plasticity.

-Know-how :

            To deduce the biophysical properties (conductance, ionic selectivity) of ion channels involved in neuronal activity by constructing and analyzing current-voltage relationships.

            Understand the interest, how and when to implement 'voltage-' and 'current-imposed' cell electrical activity recordings in the study of neurophysiological phenomena.

-Know how to be :

            To acquire the necessary distance to situate Neurophysiology and Cellular Neurobiology in the Neurosciences, and to appreciate their importance in the advances in this field.

            To acquire a general culture in Neurophysiology to approach in the future rather integrated phenomena such as motricity or sensoriality