module 2: nervous system Flashcards
(12 cards)
What do excitatory post-synaptic potentials (EPSPs) do?
EPSPs increase the probability that the postsynaptic neuron will fire an action potential
EPSPs are crucial for neural communication and signal transmission.
What is the role of the axon hillock in relation to postsynaptic potentials?
The axon hillock is where the summation of postsynaptic potentials occurs across the cell body
This summation determines whether an action potential will be initiated.
What do inhibitory post-synaptic potentials (IPSPs) do?
IPSPs decrease the probability that the postsynaptic neuron will fire an action potential
IPSPs play a key role in balancing excitation and inhibition in the nervous system.
What is spatial summation?
The process where multiple synaptic inputs from different locations combine to produce a larger postsynaptic potential.
What is temporal summation?
The process where multiple synaptic inputs occurring at different times combine to produce a larger postsynaptic potential.
What is the role of pre-synaptic excitatory neurons in summation?
They possess different spatial efficacies that contribute to the overall postsynaptic response.
How does a pre-synaptic inhibitory neuron affect summation?
It possesses a different firing rate that can modulate the overall synaptic input.
Fill in the blank: The combination of spatial and _______ summation is important for determining the postsynaptic potential.
temporal
True or False: Spatial summation involves inputs from the same location.
False
What determines the effectiveness of spatial summation?
The spatial efficacies of the pre-synaptic excitatory neurons.
What happens when pre-synaptic excitatory neurons have varying spatial efficacies?
They can combine to produce a greater postsynaptic potential.
What is the significance of the firing rate of pre-synaptic inhibitory neurons?
It influences the overall synaptic output to the postsynaptic neuron.
