Computer simulation for teaching membrane potential fundamentals.

A computer simulation of membrane potential generation is presented. It allows the user to vary the intra and extracellular concentrations of sodium, potassium and chloride ions (Na+, K+ and Cl-), and determine the membrane potential and the equilibrium potential for each ion. The permeability coefficients for the ionic species considered, and the temperature may also be changed at will. Concentration-potential curves may be obtained at any time. The user may also select a voltage clamp option, which allows him to impose a certain membrane potential value, and study the resulting driving force for each ion. The use of the program in general physiology courses has shown it to be a useful aid for teaching the principles of membrane potential generation.