(University of Aston)

Available in Windows and Web/Intranet Versions ISBN: 1 84211 002 0
Programmed by : Dr F.J. Fitzpatrick
Author : Dr Oliver A. Downing

This package introduces the student to some of the apparatus (oscilloscope, stimulator) and the experimental techniques used to examine resting potential, action potential and nerve conduction. The student looks at intracellular recording, extracellular recording and also how to make recordings from a conscious human.

[Screenshot]

A screen from one of the Activity Modules
Contents

The package is split into three sections:

Section 1: Simulator and Osilloscope

In this section, the student is introduced to the apparatus used in these experiments ie the stimulator and the oscilloscope. The student can vary the controls of a simulated stimulator and oscilloscope to find out what each of the controls does (stimulator: frequency of stimulus, delay, output; oscilloscope: timebase, Y amplifier gain.)

Section 2: Recording Bioelectric Potentials

In this section, the student looks at the ionic mechanisms underlying resting and action potentials in excitable cells. The student then goes on to look at how to record resting and action potentials in excitable cells using intracellular electrodes and then, using extracellular microelectrodes.

Section 3: Experiments on a Conscious Human

In this section, the student looks at the experimental setup used to measure impulses in a conscious human. The student then goes on to examine:
a. how increasing stimulus strength to the nerve affects the amplitude of muscle action potentials and muscle contraction.
b. summation of muscle contraction.
c. nerve conduction velocity.
The student also looks at the relationship between initiating muscle contractions voluntarily and initiating muscle contractions by artificial stimulation of the nerve.


Hardware and Software Requirements

Windows Version
The package is supplied on a CD-ROM Installation Disc and can be installed to a local hard disc or network drive. The minimum requirement is a PC with 100MHz Pentium processor , 8Mb of RAM and a VGA monitor capable of displaying 16-bit color (65, 536 colors) at 640 x 480 resolution. The program is 32-bit and is compatible with Windows 95, 98 and NT.
Web Version
The package is supplied on a CD-ROM Installation Disc for installation to a web server. The software runs on PC clients only. The minimum requirement is a 200MHz Pentium processor with 32Mb of RAM and a Super VGA monitor capable of displaying 16-bit color (65,536 colors) at 800 x 600 resolution. The program is compatible with both Netscape Navigator 4.x and Internet Explorer 4 or better and requires Java and Javascript to be enabled on browsers.