ABSTRACT
The fundamental unit of communication within the nervous system is the action potential. The action potential is an electrochemical signal mediated by the flow of ions across the membrane of individual neurons between the intracellular and extracellular spaces. This ionic flux results from concentration and potential gradients between the intracellular and extracellular spaces and occurs through ion-permeant pores (transmembrane proteins or channels) present in the membrane. Generation of action potentials by electrical stimulation or transduction of action potentials by electrical recording forms the basis of neural prosthetic interfaces.
