The 'Spatial Summation' of potentials refers to:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Integration of simultaneous inputs from multiple presynaptic neurons
Spatial summation occurs when multiple presynaptic neurons fire simultaneously at different locations on the postsynaptic neuron. Their combined EPSPs and IPSPs are algebraically summed to determine the final membrane potential change and whether threshold is reached.
Practice all 20 Nervous System: Neuron, Synapse, Reflexes questions
Keep practicing
More Nervous System: Neuron, Synapse, Reflexes questions
- Which part of the neuron is responsible for integrating incoming signals and 'deciding' whether or not to initiate an action potential?
- During the depolarization phase of an action potential, which of the following events occurs?
- What is the primary function of the myelin sheath in the nervous system?
- At a chemical synapse, what triggers the fusion of neurotransmitter-filled vesicles with the presynaptic membrane?
- Which of the following describes an Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential (IPSP)?
- In a simple monosynaptic reflex arc, such as the knee-jerk reflex, how many synapses are involved in the spinal cord?