ROLE OF SYNAPSES

Question 1

Synaptic divergence

Answer 1

• when 1 neurone joins many

- spreads a.p to other body parts

Question 2

synaptic convergence

Answer 2

when many neurones join 1 neurone

- amplifies the signal

Question 3

spatial summation

Answer 3

• when neurotransmitters from multiple neurones combine to trigger an action potential in the post synaptic neurone

Question 4

why is spatial summation a thing?

Answer 4

a weak stimulus might not be frequent enough to trigger an ap on the post synaptic neurone

Question 5

temporal summation

Answer 5

when a strong stimulus causes more frequent action potentials because more neurotransmitter is released into the synaptic cleft.
- they combine to trigger an ap on the post synaptic membrane