Welcome ALL to VIRTUAL BRAIN CLUB!!

ZOOM PROTOCOL

1. Stay muted.
2. Share thoughts vis Chat Box - stay on topic.
3. Put your questions in the Q&A box; if someone asks your question just
click the “thumbs up”.
4. Be courteous & respectful.
5. Make sure you do not create any distractions (eg, having random
conversations in the chat box).
6. Stay engaged, participate fully.
The Vermont Brain Bee Presents:
Session Overview 10/6

We will go over the basics of neurons, action potentials, and synapses (15 min)

Elise will describe how the movement of ions can create complex neural
communication! (30 min)

Questions for the speaker (10 min)

We will give a sneak peek of the next VBC (5 min)

Guest Speaker:
Elise Prehoda, B.S. Neuroscience
Neurons

Neurons are the message-

transmitting cells of the
brain
They communicate via
electrical signals that travel
from dendrites to axons
Two types: excitatory (80%)
and inhibitory (20%)
 Glial Cells
Glial Cells - 4 types in CNS:
support cells to neurons

1. Astrocytes - regulate
ion concentrations
2. Microglia - immune
cells like phagocytes
3. Ependymal cells -
makes cerebral fluid
4. Oligodendrocytes -
wrap axons in myelin

https://qbi.uq.edu.au/files/7740/Types-of-neuroglia_brain-physiology-cells-QBI.png
Communication and Synapses
Neurons have an “All or Nothing” firing policy

They use electricity to communicate (action

potential), but must also use chemical means

Axon and Dendrite meet at synaptic gap

Neurotransmitters released packaged in

vesicles

Dopamine, Acetylcholine, Glutamate, GABA

The Synapse, Magnified
Synaptic
Gap/Cleft
DENDRITE

AXON
POLL

When Caffeine acts on A. Neurotransmitter

your brain, it binds to
dendritic receptors at
Particles
synapses. What are the B. Myelin
receptors blocked from
receiving? C. Electricity
D. An Action Potential
 Action
Potentials
Elise Prehoda
Electrochemical Gradient Key:
__= Na+
__= Cl-
__= K+
__= Proteins
Ohm’s Law

Voltage = Current x Resistance

“Potential” or charge (mV) Flow of ions Plasma membrane

POLL
Based on Ohm’s law and the depiction of the cell from before, what do you think is
missing in the image?
Answer
C.Ion Channels
ALL cells have ion channels Key:
__= Na+
__= Cl-
__= K+
__= Proteins
 Key:

Membrane Receptors __= neurotransmitter

Ionotropic: Metabotropic:

Y
(Outside cell)

(Inside cell)
Resting Membrane Potential= ~-70mV Key:
__= Na+
__= Cl-
__= K+
__= Proteins
 Action Potential

“Threshold of
Excitation”

https://science.education.nih.gov/supplements/webversions/BrainAddiction/images/guide/fig2.4.gif
Threshold of Excitation is reached Key:
__= Na+
__= Cl-
__= K+
__= Proteins
Sodium Channels Close- Absolute
Key:
Refractory Period __= Na+
__= Cl-
__= K+
__= Proteins
Potassium Channels Open
Key:
__= Na+
__= Cl-
__= K+
__= Proteins
 Potassium Channels Close

“Threshold of
Excitation”

https://science.education.nih.gov/supplements/webversions/BrainAddiction/images/guide/fig2.4.gif
Poll
Why is there a dip in the AP graph following potassium channel closure?

A) It’s poorly drawn

B) Too much potassium was allowed to leave the cell, making the inside MORE
negative compared to the outside
C) Not enough potassium left the cell, making the inside LESS negative
compared to the outside
D) I’m feeling totally lost, can we please go back???
Answer
B!

(D is okay too, feel free to use the chat to ask questions, or wait for the QnA
period at the end!)
Ohm’s Law: Small Current=Big Change in Voltage

Voltage = Current x Resistance

“Potential” or charge (mV) Flow of ions Plasma membrane

 Saltatory Conduction

https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/node.gif
Questions
 The Brain And The Senses
Neurons play an integral role in all of your senses!
 Sneak peek of next session
Topic: Senses and Perception - Vision, Hearing, Taste and Smell,
Touch and Pain

Question and Answers with - David Eagleman, renowned neuroscientist and

author of “Livewired - The Inside Story of the Ever-Changing Brain”
 Thank you for attending the

NEXT SESSION: Tuesday, Oct 20, 3:45-5:00