3.1 The Consept of the Synapse Flashcards
Excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)
graded depolarization
Inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)
temporary hyperpolarization of a membrane
Postsynaptic neuron
neuron that receives transmission from another neuron
Presynaptic neuron
neuron that delivers transmission to another neuron
Reflex arc
a circuit from sensory neuron to muscle response
Reflexes
automatic muscular responses to stimuli
Spatial summation
summation over time. Combination of effects of activity from two or more synapses onto a single neuron
Spontaneous firing rate
a periodic production of action potentials even without synaptic input
Synapse
a specialized gap as a point of communication between two neurons
Temporal summation
a cumulative effect of repeated stimuli within a brief time