On the dynamics of axonal membrane: Ion channel as the basic unit of a deterministic model

•A model for computing the electric potential of axonal membrane is proposed.•The model is based on deterministic rules about the dynamics of ion channels.•It can exhibit passive (exponential) decay and propagation of action potential.•Simulation results are compared to theoretical works and experimental recordings.

Here we propose a deterministic model for computing the electric potential of axonal membrane, based on simplifications of the properties of its ion channels. The model can reproduce typical dynamic behaviors, like passive (exponential) decay, generation and propagation of action potentials, and frequency adaptation. Numerical results are compared to theoretical analyses and experimental data, showing good agreement.