File:Dendritic voltage-gated ion channels.png

English: Images adapted and modified from "The distribution and targeting of neuronal voltage-gated ion channels" and "Emerging rules for the distributions of active dendritic conductances." In general, Nav channels are found in the axon initial segment (AIS), nodes of Ranvier and presynaptic terminals. Voltage-gated potassium Kv1 channels are found at the Juxtaparanodes (JXPs) in adult myelinated axons and presynaptic terminals. The Kv channel KCNQ is found at the AIS and nodes of Ranvier, and Kv3.1b channels are also found at the nodes of Ranvier. Canonically, excitatory and inhibitory inputs (EPSPs and IPSPs — excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials; yellow and blue presynaptic nerve terminals, respectively) from the somatodendritic region spread passively to the AIS where action potentials are generated by depolarization, and travel by saltatory conduction to the presynaptic nerve terminals to activate voltage-gated calcium (Cav) channels that increase intracellular calcium levels, thereby triggering neurotransmitter release. Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic-nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels have a gradient distribution that increases in density from the soma to the distal dendrites (dark blue shading). Kv2.1 channels are found in clusters on the soma and proximal dendrites (light yellow ovals). Kv3 channels are found throughout the dendrite. Kv4.2 channels are located more prominently on distal dendrites (light blue shading). Kv channels in the dendrites contribute to controlling back propagation. Strong enough inputs in the dendritic region can generate dendritic action potentials. Dendritic Cav channels increase in density toward the proximal dendrites and the soma.