[05] Neural Integration

Question 1

What is neural integration?

Answer 1

The process by which neurons process and interpret incoming information

Question 2

What are the key steps in neural integration?

Answer 2

• Reception of signals
• Summation of inputs
• Generation of an output

Question 3

What happens during the reception of signals in neural integration?

Answer 3

A neuron receives signals from multiple other neurons through its dendrites

Question 4

What happens during the summation of inputs in neural integration?

Answer 4

The neuron combines all of its incoming information to determine whether or not it will fire an action potential

Question 5

What happens during the generation of an output in neural integration?

Answer 5

If the summation of inputs reaches a certain threshold, the neuron generates an action potential and sends the signal down its axon

Question 6

What is an excitatory input in neural integration?

Answer 6

An input that increases the likelihood of the neuron firing an action potential

Question 7

What is an inhibitory input in neural integration?

Answer 7

An input that decreases the likelihood of the neuron firing an action potential

Question 8

What is a threshold in the context of neural integration?

Answer 8

The level of stimulation required to trigger an action potential in a neuron

Question 9

How does a neuron decide whether or not to fire an action potential?

Answer 9

It sums up all of its excitatory and inhibitory inputs. If the total is above the threshold, it fires an action potential

Question 10

What is the role of dendrites in neural integration?

Answer 10

Dendrites receive signals from other neurons

Question 11

What is the role of the axon in neural integration?

Answer 11

The axon transmits the output signal away from the neuron

Question 12

What is spatial summation?

Answer 12

The process by which multiple inputs from different locations on the neuron are added together

Question 13

What is temporal summation?

Answer 13

The process by which multiple inputs occurring close together in time are added together

Question 14

What is the role of synapses in neural integration?

Answer 14

Synapses are where the inputs from other neurons are received

Question 15

How does the strength of a signal change as it travels through a neuron?

Answer 15

The strength of the signal can decrease as it travels through the neuron due to the passive spread of charge

Question 16

How can neural integration lead to complex behaviors?

Answer 16

By combining inputs from many different neurons, the nervous system can generate complex responses to stimuli

Question 17

What is an action potential?

Answer 17

A rapid, temporary change in a neuron’s membrane potential

Question 18

What is membrane potential?

Answer 18

The voltage difference across a cell’s plasma membrane

Question 19

What is the all-or-nothing principle in neural integration?

Answer 19

The concept that once the threshold is reached, an action potential is fired with a consistent magnitude