Objective: The use of simulation
in medical education has become an important and successfully implemented
auxiliary method, recently. In this study, we aimed to present a compact
screen- based computer simulation for second year
medical students so that they may experience various aspects of peripheral
nerve electrophysiology by themselves. Methods: The model used in the calculations combines both the passive and active membrane
properties which were described in passive cable theory and in the classical
study of Hodgkin and Huxley on membrane potential generation, respectively.
Results: The simulation provides numerical and visual demonstration for various
electrophysiological features of nerve cell such as membrane potential
development, threshold stimulus, refractoriness, conduction in myelinated fiber, myelin and temperature effect on
conduction etc. Besides, users may also have experience on propagation of
compound nerve action potential that is the combined activation of nerve
fibers. Conclusion: We suggest that this simulation may be considered as an
auxiliary tool for classical physiology laboratory sessions. It is our intent
to share and to make the simulation freely available to all interested readers.
Cite this paper
Kiziltan, E. , Gundogan, N. U. , Ilhan, A. S. , Aydin, L. , Yazihan, N. and Pehlivan, F. (2015). An Auxiliary Educational Tool for Propagating Single and Compound Nerve Action Potential. Open Access Library Journal, 2, e1288. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1101288.
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