Teaching and learning the Hodgkin-Huxley model based on software developed in NEURON’s programming language hoc

Background We present a software tool called SENB, which allows the geometric and biophysical neuronal properties in a simple computational model of a Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) axon to be changed. The aim of this work is to develop a didactic and easy-to-use computational tool in the NEURON simulation env...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMC medical education Vol. 13; no. 1; p. 70
Main Authors: Hernández, Oscar E, Zurek, Eduardo E
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: London BioMed Central 15.05.2013
BioMed Central Ltd
Springer Nature B.V
Subjects:
Action Potentials - physiology
Anatomy
Approaches to teaching and learning
Basic Skills
Climate
Computer Simulation
Computer Software
Education
Electrophysiology - education
Environment
Geometry
Graphs
Humans
Language
Learning Processes
Medical Education
Medical students
Models, Neurological
Neural networks
Neurology - education
Neurons
Neurons - physiology
Neurosciences
Observation
Periodicals
Potassium
Programming Languages
Propagation
Scientific Research
Software
Studies
Syntax
Teaching - methods
Teaching Models
Technology application
Textbooks
Theory of Medicine/Bioethics
Undergraduate Students
Visualization (Computers)
Colombia
Current Stimulus
Sodium Channel
Current Clamp
Unmyelinated Axon
Virtual Experiment
ISSN:1472-6920, 1472-6920
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Background We present a software tool called SENB, which allows the geometric and biophysical neuronal properties in a simple computational model of a Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) axon to be changed. The aim of this work is to develop a didactic and easy-to-use computational tool in the NEURON simulation environment, which allows graphical visualization of both the passive and active conduction parameters and the geometric characteristics of a cylindrical axon with HH properties. Results The SENB software offers several advantages for teaching and learning electrophysiology. First, SENB offers ease and flexibility in determining the number of stimuli. Second, SENB allows immediate and simultaneous visualization, in the same window and time frame, of the evolution of the electrophysiological variables. Third, SENB calculates parameters such as time and space constants, stimuli frequency, cellular area and volume, sodium and potassium equilibrium potentials, and propagation velocity of the action potentials. Furthermore, it allows the user to see all this information immediately in the main window. Finally, with just one click SENB can save an image of the main window as evidence. Conclusions The SENB software is didactic and versatile, and can be used to improve and facilitate the teaching and learning of the underlying mechanisms in the electrical activity of an axon using the biophysical properties of the squid giant axon.
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ISSN:1472-6920
1472-6920
DOI:10.1186/1472-6920-13-70