Cable theory

Cable theory Neuron RC circuit v3.svg

Cable theory

Cable theory is a mathematical model used in neuroscience to describe the electrical behavior of neurons. It provides a framework for understanding how electrical signals propagate along the length of a neuron's dendrites and axon.

Overview

At its core, cable theory treats neurons as cylindrical cables with electrical properties that can be described using principles of circuit theory. The model takes into account factors such as membrane resistance, membrane capacitance, and axial resistance to predict how electrical signals decay as they travel along the length of a neuron.

History

Cable theory was first developed in the 19th century by British physiologist Lord Adrian. He used the model to explain the passive electrical properties of nerve fibers. Over the years, cable theory has been refined and expanded upon to account for the complexities of neuronal structures.

Key Concepts

The key concepts of cable theory include:

• Membrane Resistance: The resistance of the neuronal membrane to the flow of electrical current.
• Membrane Capacitance: The ability of the neuronal membrane to store electrical charge.
• Axial Resistance: The resistance to electrical current flow along the length of the neuron.
• Length Constant: The distance over which an electrical signal decreases to 37% of its original strength.

Applications

Cable theory is used in computational neuroscience to model the behavior of neurons in response to various stimuli. It is also employed in the design of artificial neural networks and in the study of neurological disorders.

See also

• Neuron
• Neuroscience
• Computational neuroscience