Structure and Action of Neurons

Question 1

What do EPSPs do?

Answer 1

Excitatory PostSynaptic Potentials.
They depolarise the postsynaptic cell membrane. The increases the liklihood that an action potential will be triggered in the postsynaptic neuron.

Question 2

What do IPSPs do?

Answer 2

Inhibitory PostSynaptic Potentials
They hyperpolarise the postsynaptic cell membrane.
They decrease the liklihood that an action potential will be triggered.

Question 3

What is neural integration?

Answer 3

The combined effect of EPSPs and IPSPs. If excitatory inputs is greater than inhibitory inputs then membrane potential will pass the threshold of activation.

Question 4

How do drugs work at receptors?

Answer 4

They mimic the chemical structure of the natural compound.

Question 5

What is an agonist?

Answer 5

A drug that activates the receptor like the natural compound.

Question 6

What is an antagonist?

Answer 6

A drug that blocks the receptor and prevents the natural compound from activating it.