elektrofiziológii

Elektrofiziológii, also known as electrophysiology, is a branch of physiology that studies the electrical properties of biological cells and tissues. It involves measuring the electrical currents that pass through cell membranes and the voltage changes that occur across them. This field is crucial for understanding the function of excitable cells, such as neurons, muscle cells, and cardiac cells, as well as other cell types like epithelial and immune cells.

The fundamental principle behind electrophysiology is that cell membranes act as electrical insulators, separating charged ions within and outside the cell. This separation creates an electrical potential difference, known as the membrane potential. Changes in this potential, or electrical activity, are often triggered by the opening or closing of ion channels, which are protein pores in the membrane that allow specific ions to flow across.

Techniques used in electrophysiology include patch-clamp recording, voltage-clamp recording, and extracellular recording. Patch-clamp allows researchers to isolate and study individual ion channels or small groups of channels. Voltage-clamp maintains the membrane potential at a set level, enabling the measurement of ion currents. Extracellular recording measures electrical activity from outside the cell, often used to study neural networks.

The insights gained from electrophysiology are vital for diagnosing and treating various medical conditions, including epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmias, and neuromuscular disorders. It also plays a significant role in fundamental research, helping to unravel the complexities of brain function, muscle contraction, and signal transduction in various biological systems.