Neurophysiology

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Neurophysiology is a branch of physiology and neuroscience concerned with the functions of the nervous system and their mechanisms. The term neurophysiology originates from the Greek word νεῦρον ("nerve") and physiology (which is, in turn, derived from the Greek φύσις, meaning "nature", and -λογία, meaning "knowledge").^[1] Neurophysiology has applications in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of many neurological and psychiatric diseases.^[2] Neurophysiological techniques are also used by clinical neurophysiologists to diagnose and monitor patients with neurological diseases.

The field involves all levels of nervous system function, from molecules and cells to systems and whole organisms. Areas of study include:

• The electrochemical properties of neurons
• Function and regulation of proteins in neurons and glia
• Metabolic reactions relevant to neural function
• Cell signalling in the nervous system
• Neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity
• Neural circuitry at microscopic and macroscopic levels
• The impact of neural functions on cognition and behaviour
• Pathophysiology of neurological and psychiatric disorders

Experimental neurophysiologists use many techniques to study neural function. Electrophysiological techniques like electroencephalography (EEG), single cell recording, and extracellular recording of local field potentials are especially common. ^[3] Magnetoencephalography is sometimes used in place of EEG.^[4] Immunohistochemistry, cell staining, in situ hybridisation, calcium imaging, and transmission electron microscopy are used to study cellular activity in the nervous system. Genetic engineering techniques may be used to study the impact of specific genes on neural functions. Pharmacological methods are used investigate the function of specific receptors in neurons and glia. Optogenetics and chemogenetics allow specific activation of neurons to study their functions. Functional magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography can be used to measure metabolic changes in the brain.^{[5] [4]} Finally, behavioural analysis is used to understand interactions between physiology and behaviour. Contemporary neurophysiology experiments often use multiple techniques together to develop a more complete understanding of their research areas.