Compartment Models

This subdirectory contains simulations that illustrated how SNNAP can be used to model the biophysical properties of multicompartments models of neuronal structures.

Two simulations are illustrated. One simulation (\cable) illustrates the properties of non branching multi compartment model. This simulation compares the properties to two ‘cable’ models with different diameters. The second model (\branch_neuron) illustrates the properties of a relatively complex branching neuronal structure. In addition to illustrating the passive properties of a branched structure, this model can easily be adapted to investigate the active properties of a branched structure. Active Na and K conductances have been included in the model. In the default configuration of the model, the magnitude of these conductances are set to zero. The user can ‘add’ active properties to the model by altering the ‘g’ parameter in the *.vdg files.

Branch Neuron

The goal of the present simulation is to illustrate how SNNAP can be used to simulate multi compartmental models of neurons with relatively complex anatomical structures.

Although SNNAP was originally developed to model neurons as a single, iso potential compartment, SNNAP can also be used to simulate some of the biophysical properties of neurons with complex branching structures. This subdirectory contains a model of a neuron with a complex branching structure. The structure of the neuron is illustrated in branch_neuron.jpg and the results of the default simulation are illustrated in branch_neuron_screen.gif.

Cable 1

This simulation is of a neuronal process with 10 homogeneous compartments, which are linked together in an unbranched ‘cable’. Each compartment is 200 um long. In Cable_1, the compartments are 2 um in diameter.

Cable 10

This simulation is of a neuronal process with 10 homogeneous compartments, which are linked together in an unbranched ‘cable’. Each compartment is 200 um long. In Cable_10, the compartments are 20 um in diameter.