A method for modeling and simulating neural action potential (AP) propagation along the length of an axon containing a number of Ranvier nodes is proposed in this dissertation. A system identification approach is adopted to represent node of Ranvier (NR) response to current pulse stimulus in the form of transfer function representations for NR excitability. Segments of myelinated internodal (IN) and NR regions are cascaded, representing the remaining downstream axon after a site-of-stimulus introduction of an external current pulse. This cascading network is used to simulate "cable" properties and signal propagation along the length of the axon. This work proposes possible solutions to attenuation losses inherited in the classical myelinated cable models and accounts for neuronal AP velocity as well as introducing signal attenuation and transient delays associated with internodal demyelination. This model could aide as a predictive tool for the diagnosis and analysis of axonal signal integrity associated with demyelination pathology. Possible applications could include functional stimulation control methodologies for axon bundles that may exhibit signal fidelity issues associated with demyelination. It is further proposed that this model may serve as an instructive tool for further development and incorporation of other axon dynamic behaviors such as: relative refractory periods of AP generation, NR AP recovery mechanisms and responses to varied current stimulus input. / by George Jason Morales. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2011. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2011. Mode of access: World Wide Web.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fau.edu/oai:fau.digital.flvc.org:fau_3651 |
| Contributors | Morales, George J., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science |
| Publisher | Florida Atlantic University |
| Source Sets | Florida Atlantic University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | xviii, 165 p. : ill. (some col.), electronic |
| Rights | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
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