A numerical method to model excitable cells

Biophys J. 1978 May;22(2):155-70. doi: 10.1016/S0006-3495(78)85481-2.

Abstract

We have extended a fast, stable, and accurate method for the numerical solution of cable equations to include changes in geometry and membrane properties in order to model a single excitable cell realistically. In addition, by including the provision that the radius may be a function of distance along an axis, we have achieved a general and powerful method for simulating a cell with any number of branched processes, any or all of which may be nonuniform in diameter, and with no restriction on the branching pattern.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Animals
  • Axons / physiology*
  • Mathematics
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Models, Biological
  • Myelin Sheath / physiology

Substances

  • Membranes, Artificial