Open AccessAn Attempt at an Integral Interpretation of Nerve Excitability
Author(s) -
Eberhard Neumann,
David Nachmansohn,
A. Katchalsky
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.70.3.727
Subject(s) - interpretation (philosophy) , electrophysiology , neuroscience , excitation , stimulation , basis (linear algebra) , biological system , chemistry , computer science , physics , mathematics , biology , geometry , quantum mechanics , programming language
A qualitatively consistent integral interpretation of biochemical, electrophysiological, and biophysical data on nerve activity is given in terms of a basic excitation unit. This operational term models a dynamically coupled assembly of membrane components accounting for graded and all-or-none responses upon stimulation. The analysis contains a series of suggestions linking controversial interpretations and is aimed at stimulation of experimental studies providing the basis for a quantitative integral theory of nerve excitation.