This text investigates the fundamental biophysical mechanisms governing the movement of electric currents across the membranes of excitable cells. The authors, Dennis Noble, J. B. Jack, and R. W. Tsien, utilize their extensive expertise in cardiac and neuronal electrophysiology to synthesize the mathematical and physical principles of ion channel behavior. The work establishes a rigorous framework for understanding how cellular excitability is maintained and regulated through membrane potential changes.

Experts recognize this work as a foundational text for students and researchers in the field of cellular electrophysiology. Readers frequently note the technical density of the prose, which requires a strong background in physics and calculus to fully comprehend the presented models.