Why do neurons have an electric charge? | Nernst Potential | Resting Potential of Neurons

Neurons are biological cells, so why do they have an electric charge? In this video, we introduce the concepts of an electrochemical gradient of ions, the Nernst potential, then connect these concepts with Ohm's Law from electricity and magnetism to explain the electrical potential of a neuron when it is at rest.

Playlist for all videos in series:    • Introduction to Neuroscience  

Professor Bing Wen Brunton
www.bingbrunton.com
@bingbrunton on twitter

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0:00 A cell divides outside from inside
2:30 The cell's electrical potential
5:51 A balance of electrical and chemical forces
9:25 The Nernst Equation
13:40 The sodium-potassium pump
20:08 The fainting goats
22:20 The Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz Equation
27:35 Ohm's Law and ion flow
40:55 How are ion channels so choosy
45:00 Key concepts summary