E2 Generation of action potential (Hodgkin-Huxley model)

Title

The action potential is a transient and regenerative depolarization of the membrane, generated by the sequential and voltage-dependent opening and closing of Na+ and K+ channels. The Hodgkin-Huxley model describes the total membrane current as the sum of a fast Na+ current (activated by m and inactivated by h), a slower K+ current (activated by n), and a passive leak current, each governed by gating variables whose kinetics depend on the instantaneous voltage. Each gating variable relaxes exponentially towards a voltage-dependent stationary value (x_inf) with a voltage-dependent time constant (tau_x), which produces the rapid depolarization phase (opening of m), the repolarization (inactivation h and late activation of n) and the refractory period. This model uses the same variables V_m, C_m, g_i, E_i, I_ext defined in E01, extending them with time- and voltage-dependent conductances.

ID:4260