Neurofisiología

Neurofisiología is the branch of neuroscience that studies the function of the nervous system. It investigates how nerve cells, or neurons, communicate with each other and how these interactions give rise to behavior, thought, and sensation. This field explores the electrical and chemical signaling processes that occur within neurons and across synapses, the junctions between them.

Key areas of neurophysiology include understanding the generation and propagation of action potentials, the electrical impulses that transmit information along neurons, and the mechanisms of neurotransmitter release and reception at synapses. Researchers in neurophysiology also examine the properties of different types of neurons and their roles in various neural circuits. They study how sensory information is encoded and processed, how motor commands are generated, and how the brain learns and remembers.

Techniques used in neurophysiology are diverse, ranging from intracellular and extracellular recordings of neuronal activity to advanced imaging methods like fMRI and EEG. These tools allow scientists to observe and measure neural activity in real-time, both in experimental preparations and in living organisms. The ultimate goal of neurophysiology is to unravel the complex workings of the nervous system, which is essential for understanding both normal function and the basis of neurological and psychiatric disorders. This knowledge contributes to the development of diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions.