Cellular Neurobiology and Neurophysiology

The objective of this EU is the morpho-functional study of cells in 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 neurotransmitter release and synthesis, 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 electrical signals, concept of resting potential, properties of ion channels, action potential. Knowledge of the function of different types of glial cells.

               At the tissue level: Cellular communication (astrocyte-neuron/neuron-neuron), neurotransmission mechanisms (neurotransmitter release, receptor types and their effects), synaptic plasticity mechanisms.

-Expertise:

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

            Understanding the value, how and when to implement recordings of cellular electrical activity in 'voltage-' and 'current-imposed' modes in the study of neurophysiological phenomena.

-Interpersonal skills:

            Acquire the necessary perspective to situate Neurophysiology and Cellular Neurobiology within Neuroscience, and appreciate their importance in advances in this field.

            Acquire a general knowledge of neurophysiology in order to address highly integrated phenomena such as motor skills and sensory perception in the future.