Neurobiology

What I do

• Study nervous system structure and function
• Investigate neuronal communication
• Analyze neural development
• Research synaptic transmission
• Study brain circuits and behavior
• Investigate neural disorders

When to use me

• When studying neuron structure and function
• When analyzing synaptic transmission
• When investigating neural development
• When researching neurological disorders
• When studying brain-behavior relationships
• When working with neural tissues

Key Concepts

Neuron Structure

• Soma: Cell body, contains nucleus
• Dendrites: Receive signals
• Axon: Conducts signals away
• Axon terminals: Release neurotransmitters
• Myelin: Insulation, saltatory conduction

Action Potential

# Simplified action potential model
def action_potential(V, thresholds):
    """
    Model neuron firing.
    V: Membrane potential (mV)
    thresholds: Resting ~-70mV, firing ~-55mV
    """
    if V < -55:
        return 'resting'
    elif -55 <= V < 30:
        return 'depolarization'
    elif 30 >= V >= -70:
        return 'repolarization'
    else:
        return 'refractory'

# Ion channels involved
channels = {
    'depolarization': 'Na+ channels open',
    'repolarization': 'K+ channels open',
    'refractory': 'Na+ channels inactivated'
}

Synaptic Transmission

1. Action potential arrives at terminal
2. Ca²⁺ influx triggers vesicle fusion
3. Neurotransmitter release into synapse
4. Binding to postsynaptic receptors
5. Ion channel opening/closing
6. Signal termination (reuptake, degradation)

Neurotransmitters

• Excitatory: Glutamate, acetylcholine
• Inhibitory: GABA, glycine
• Modulatory: Dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine
• Neuropeptides: Substance P, endorphins