Cellular Physiology of Nerve and Muscle [Paperback]

Cellular Physiology of Nerve and Muscle, Fourth Edition offers a state of the art introduction to the basic physical, electrical and chemical principles central to the function of nerve and muscle cells. The text begins with an overview of the origin of electrical membrane potential, then clearly illustrates the cellular physiology of nerve cells and muscle cells. Throughout, this new edition simplifies difficult concepts with accessible models and straightforward descriptions of experimental results.

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• An all-new introduction to electrical signaling in the nervous system.
  
• Expanded coverage of synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity.
  
• A quantitative overview of the electrical properties of cells.
  
• New detailed illustrations.

Part I: Origin of Electrical Membrane Potential.

1. Introduction to Electrical Signaling in the Nervous System.

The Patellar Reflex as a Model for Neural Function.

The Cellular Organization of Neurons.

Electrical Signals in Neurons.

Transmission between Neurons.

2. Composition of Intracellular and Extracellular Fluids.

Intracellular and Extracellular Fluids.

The Structure of the Plasma Membrane.

Summary.

3. Maintenance of Cell Volume.

Molarity, Molality, and Diffusion of Water.

Osmotic Balance and Cell Volume.

Answers to the Problem of Osmotic Balance.

Tonicity.

Time-Course of Volume Changes.

Summary.

4. Membrane Potential: Ionic Equilibrium.

Diffusion Potential.