Synaptic Integration at Postsynaptic Membrane

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Which type of summation occurs when two or more postsynaptic potentials, elicited by a single presynaptic neuron at different times, sum to induce greater depolarization in the postsynaptic membrane?

Spatial summation

Dendritic summation

Temporal summation (correct)

Axonal summation

Which of the following is a characteristic of biphasic action potential recordings?

The recording is obtained by placing one electrode inside the cell and the other outside

A single wave is obtained, representing depolarization

The recording is obtained by placing both electrodes outside the cell membrane (correct)

Two waves are obtained, the first representing depolarization and the second representing repolarization

Which type of summation occurs when two or more IPSPs or EPSPs, elicited by different presynaptic neurons, sum to induce more hyperpolarization or depolarization, respectively, in the postsynaptic membrane?

Temporal summation

Axonal summation

Spatial summation (correct)

Dendritic summation

What is the purpose of the repetitive excitation of the postsynaptic membrane by a single presynaptic neuron, as described in the text?

To induce more depolarization in the postsynaptic membrane, potentially leading to an action potential Signup and view all the answers

Which type of action potential recording is obtained by placing one electrode inside the cell and the other outside the cell?

Monophasic action potential Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the summation between excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials, as described in the text?

To cancel out the postsynaptic potentials and induce postsynaptic inhibition Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the complexity of neural network connections that permit synapsing of many axonal terminals from different neurons to one neural cell body?

To increase the number of inputs to the postsynaptic neuron Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the branching of one nerve fiber to many terminals that synapse to different neurons (divergence)?

To convert the signal from one neuron to many postsynaptic neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between depolarization and an action potential at the postsynaptic membrane?

Depolarization is a subthreshold potential, while an action potential is the generation of a full-blown response Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of summation at the postsynaptic membrane?

To allow multiple subthreshold inputs to sum and reach the threshold for generating an action potential Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between spatial summation and temporal summation at the postsynaptic membrane?

Spatial summation occurs when inputs arrive from different neurons, while temporal summation occurs when inputs arrive from the same neuron Signup and view all the answers

How does the complexity of neural network connections, specifically convergence and divergence, contribute to the integration of responses at the postsynaptic membrane?

Convergence allows many inputs to be received by a single neuron, while divergence allows a single input to be transmitted to many neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of calcium ions in neurotransmitter release at the presynaptic terminal?

Calcium ions diffuse into the presynaptic terminal, triggering the release of neurotransmitters from vesicles by exocytosis. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of convergence in neural networks?

Multiple presynaptic neurons synapsing onto a single postsynaptic neuron. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the synaptic cleft?

To provide a physical separation between the pre- and postsynaptic membranes, allowing for the diffusion of neurotransmitters. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the concept of divergence in neural networks?

A single presynaptic neuron synapsing onto multiple postsynaptic neurons. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of inhibitory inputs at the presynaptic terminal?

To inactivate the presynaptic terminal, preventing the release of neurotransmitters. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which signals are transmitted from the presynaptic to the postsynaptic neuron?

Diffusion of neurotransmitters across the synaptic cleft. Signup and view all the answers