Basic electrophysiological terms
1. Action potential: An electrical signal transmitted along the axon of a neuron
2. Resting membrane potential: The difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of a neuron when it is not actively transmitting a signal
3. Depolarization: A change in the electrical charge towards a less negative value, often leading to an action potential
4. Hyperpolarization: A change in the electrical charge towards a more negative value, making it more difficult to generate an action potential
5. Synapse: The junction between two neurons where communication occurs through the release of neurotransmitters
6. Neurotransmitter: Chemical messengers released by neurons to transmit signals to other neurons or cells
7. Excitatory neurotransmitter: A neurotransmitter that stimulates the receiving neuron to generate an action potential
8. Inhibitory neurotransmitter: A neurotransmitter that prevents the receiving neuron from generating an action potential
9. Synaptic cleft: The small gap between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrites or cell body of another neuron
10. Voltage-gated ion channels: Proteins that open and close in response to changes in voltage, allowing ions to flow in and out of the neuron during an action potential.