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As a rule more than one presynaptic action potential is needed to fire the postsynaptic neuron or muscle so that the trigger to initiate an action potential are either many subthreshold local potentials from different sources or from the same neuron received within a short period of time. The first case is called spatial summation and the second case is called temporal summation. Whether a postsynaptic potential (another term for a local potential) is excitatory or inhibitory depends on what ion channels are affected by the transmitter released from the presynaptic vesicles.

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What is synaptic potential?

A synaptic potential is a change in the electrical potential of a neuron in response to the release of neurotransmitters at a synapse. It can be either excitatory, causing depolarization and promoting action potential firing, or inhibitory, causing hyperpolarization and reducing the likelihood of action potential firing. These changes in potential are essential for communication between neurons in the brain.


What is the function of a neurotransmitter?

NEUROTRANSMITTERS are the brain chemicals that communicate information throughout our brain and body. They relay signals between nerve cells, called "neurons." The brain uses neurotransmitters to tell your heart to beat, your lungs to breathe, and your stomach to digest. They can also affect mood, sleep, concentration, weight, and can cause adverse symptoms when they are out of balance. Neurotransmitter levels can be depleted many ways. As a matter of fact, it is estimated that 86% of Americans have suboptimal neurotransmitter levels. Stress, poor diet, neurotoxins, genetic predisposition, drug (prescription and recreational), alcohol and caffeine usage can cause these levels to be out of optimal range.There are two kinds of neurotransmitters - INHIBITORY and EXCITATORY. Excitatory neurotransmitters are not necessarily exciting - they are what stimulate the brain. Those that calm the brain and help create balance are called inhibitory. Inhibitory neurotransmitters balance mood and are easily depleted when the excitatory neurotransmitters are overactive.


What is the difference between succeeding terms called?

The difference between succeeding terms in a sequence is called the common difference in an arithmetic sequence, and the common ratio in a geometric sequence.


What is the typical time difference between ovulation and menstruation in the menstrual cycle?

The typical time difference between ovulation and menstruation in the menstrual cycle is around 14 days.


How can you tell the difference between male and female"?

The difference between male and female can be determined by physical characteristics such as reproductive organs, secondary sexual characteristics, and genetic makeup.

Related Questions

What is the difference between EPSP and an IPSP?

An EPSP is an excitatory postsynaptic potential, which represent input coming from excitatory cells, whereas an inhibitory postsynaptic potential represents input driven by inhibitory presynaptic cells.


How can decision-making in the CNS result from the interaction between the activities of excitatory and inhibitory presynaptic neurons at synapses?

During decision-making, information is processed to choose between two or more alternatives. This involves the interaction of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. This process also involves excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters. The post-synaptic action potential is determined by the sum of all signals.


What is meant by summation at a synapse and how can the two ways it is accomplished be described?

Summation is the method in which signal transmission between neurons occurs. Summation occurs through excitatory neurotramitters and inhibitory neurotransmitters. Excitatory produces depolarization of the postsynaptic cell. Inhibitory mitigates the effects of an excutatory neurotransmitter. For more information visit the Related Link.


What is the difference between an excitatory synapse and an inhibitory synapse?

Synapses are junctions that allow a neuron to electrically or chemically transmit a signal to another cell. Synapses can either be excitatory or inhibitory. Inhibitory synapses decrease the likelihood of the firing action potential of a cell while excitatory synapses increase its likelihood. Excitatory synapses cause a positive action potential in neurons and cells. For example, in the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine (Ach), its binding to receptors opens up sodium channels and allows an influx of Na+ ions and reduces membrane potential which is referred to as Excitatory Postsynaptic potential(EPSP). An action potential is generated when the polarization of the postsynaptic membrane reaches threshold. ACh acts on nicotinic receptors which can be found at the neuromuscular junction of skeletal muscles, the parasympathetic nervous system, and the brain. It also acts on muscarinic receptors found at neuromuscular junctions of the smooth muscles, glands, and the sympathetic nervous system. Inhibitory synapses, on the other hand, cause the neurotransmitters in the postsynaptic membrane to depolarize. An example is the neurotransmitter Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA). The binding of GABA to receptors increases the flow of chloride (CI-) ions in the postsynaptic cells raising its membrane potential and inhibiting it. The binding of GABA to receptors activates a second messenger opening potassium channels.


What are excitatory postsynaptic potentials are produced by?

Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) are typically produced by the influx of positively charged ions, such as sodium or calcium, into the postsynaptic neuron. This influx of ions depolarizes the neuron, making it more likely to fire an action potential. EPSPs are a key mechanism in the communication between neurons in the nervous system.


What neurotransmitter is always excitatory?

Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It enhances the transmission of signals between neurons by promoting the depolarization of postsynaptic neurons.


What is synaptic potential?

A synaptic potential is a change in the electrical potential of a neuron in response to the release of neurotransmitters at a synapse. It can be either excitatory, causing depolarization and promoting action potential firing, or inhibitory, causing hyperpolarization and reducing the likelihood of action potential firing. These changes in potential are essential for communication between neurons in the brain.


What is the difference between MIC and MBC?

MIC - Minimum Inhibitory Concentration is the lowest concentration of an antibiotic needed to stop the microbe from reproducing.MBC - Minimum Biocidal Concentration is the lowest concentration of an antibiotic needed to kill the microbe.


What is the function of a neurotransmitter?

NEUROTRANSMITTERS are the brain chemicals that communicate information throughout our brain and body. They relay signals between nerve cells, called "neurons." The brain uses neurotransmitters to tell your heart to beat, your lungs to breathe, and your stomach to digest. They can also affect mood, sleep, concentration, weight, and can cause adverse symptoms when they are out of balance. Neurotransmitter levels can be depleted many ways. As a matter of fact, it is estimated that 86% of Americans have suboptimal neurotransmitter levels. Stress, poor diet, neurotoxins, genetic predisposition, drug (prescription and recreational), alcohol and caffeine usage can cause these levels to be out of optimal range.There are two kinds of neurotransmitters - INHIBITORY and EXCITATORY. Excitatory neurotransmitters are not necessarily exciting - they are what stimulate the brain. Those that calm the brain and help create balance are called inhibitory. Inhibitory neurotransmitters balance mood and are easily depleted when the excitatory neurotransmitters are overactive.


What effect do neurotransmitters from one neuron have on the next neuron?

Neurotransmitters released from one neuron can either excite or inhibit the next neuron. Excitatory neurotransmitters make the receiving neuron more likely to fire an action potential, while inhibitory neurotransmitters make it less likely. This process allows for communication and coordination between neurons in the nervous system.


How do you measure level interface between two liquids?

Differential Pressure transmitters and level trolls


What is the difference between a coded and a non-coded heart rate transmitter?

The difference between a coded and non-coded transmitter is a coded transmitter will only transmit to your receiver. So if your planning on exercising around people who will be wearing transmitters you want a coded transmitter so you don't get there heart rate. If you are working out solo, get a non-coded transmitter.