Explore the Neuron Firing Simulator
Stimulate a neuron and watch the action potential travel along the axon. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Neuron Firing Simulator with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Neuron Firing Simulator?
Stimulate a neuron and watch the action potential travel along the axon. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Nerve signals carry every sensation and movement in your body. Doctors use the same principles in ECG and EEG tests and to understand anaesthetics and epilepsy drugs.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
A neuron only fires if the stimulus reaches the threshold (all-or-nothing).
Sodium channels open to depolarise the cell, then potassium channels open to repolarise it.
After a spike there is a refractory period when it cannot fire again.
Give a weak stimulus and then a strong one.
Fire two stimuli quickly and see the refractory period.
Hold a constant current and see repeated firing.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Biology learners
Biology students and teachers who want to explore living systems, populations and genetics interactively and safely.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Neuron Firing Simulator on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Fire two stimuli quickly and see the refractory period. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
What is an action potential?
A brief, rapid rise and fall in the voltage across a neuron's membrane that travels along the axon as a nerve signal.
Why is it called all-or-nothing?
Once the threshold is reached, the spike has the same size regardless of how strong the stimulus was.
Is the Neuron Firing Simulator free to use?
Yes. The Neuron Firing Simulator is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Biology group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Neuron Firing Simulator work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Neuron Firing Simulator takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 1 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Neuron Firing Simulator?
1. In the Neuron Firing Simulator, use the controls to change Stimulus strength. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Neuron Firing Simulator, pick an option such as Single pulse, Constant current to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Neuron Firing Simulator, press "Stimulate", "Reset" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Give a weak stimulus and then a strong one. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Neuron Firing Simulator responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: A neuron only fires if the stimulus reaches the threshold (all-or-nothing).
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Try the Neuron Firing Simulator now
Stimulate a neuron and watch the action potential travel along the axon. Free to use.
Try it free