6:30 am

empty lecture halls ✧｡⁠*ﾟ

Salutations, Tumblr scholars! 🎓 Prepare for a cerebral voyage as we delve into the profound intricacies of neuronal communication, spotlighting the ethereal ballet of action potentials! 🌌💫

Introduction:

Neurons, the virtuosos of our nervous system, engage in a sophisticated dialogue facilitated by the nuanced choreography of action potentials. Let us dissect this neurophysiological marvel with precision and finesse. 📚✨

1. The Prelude - Axon Hillock Overture:

Initiation unfolds at the axon hillock, a nexus of decision-making. Voltage-gated sodium channels undergo conformational changes, inducing an influx of sodium ions, thus instigating the critical decision to fire—an orchestration known as the initiation phase. ⚙️⚠️

2. Act I - Depolarization Crescendo:

The ensuing depolarization phase witnesses a surge in membrane voltage, orchestrated by the influx of positively charged sodium ions. This dynamic spectacle disrupts the membrane's resting potential, marking the commencement of the neuronal conversation with unparalleled fervor. 📈🎻

3. Act II - Repolarization Sonata:

Voltage-gated potassium channels, in a harmonious interlude, activate, allowing potassium efflux. Repolarization unfolds gracefully, reinstating the neuron's electrical equilibrium. The meticulous choreography readies the neuron for subsequent engagements. 🚪💨🔄

4. Act III - Hyperpolarization Cadence:

A brief hyperpolarization, an encore of sorts, ensues as potassium efflux persists, momentarily exaggerating the negative membrane potential. This nuanced cadence serves as a poetic pause before the neural narrative resumes. ⬇️🎭

5. Epilogue - Sodium-Potassium Pump Ballet:

In the epilogue, the sodium-potassium pumps elegantly perform their backstage ballet. Sodium is actively extruded, while potassium is ushered back onto the stage, meticulously restoring the resting membrane potential. A harmonious reset concludes this neurophysiological masterpiece. 🔄🔧

Embark on this odyssey through the synaptical intricacies! 🚀🔬

References:

1. Kandel, E. R., Schwartz, J. H., & Jessell, T. M. (2013). Principles of Neural Science.

2. Purves, D., Augustine, G. J., Fitzpatrick, D., et al. (2018). Neuroscience.

Some diagrams I studied for our neuroanatomy module last semester, from Tortora.

The pictures I used for Anki are below.

Our paper titled ‘Effects of Exercise on Electroencephalography-Recorded Neural Oscillations: A Systematic Review’ is available on a gold open-access basis from ‘International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology’ (IRSEP).

In Figure 1, you can see the exercise modalities that were featured in this systematic review, which was first-authored by Leti Hosang.