Summation and control

Question 1

What is summation?

Answer 1

The amount of neurotransmitter from a single neurone is not enough to reach the threshold value and tigger an action potential; therefore, many neurones provide neurotransmitter until the threshold value is reached and an action potential is generated.

Question 2

What is spatial summation?

Answer 2

Occurs when a number of presynaptic neurones connect to one postsynaptic neurone.
-Each releases neurotransmitter to build up high enough to reach the threshold value and generate an action potential.

Question 3

What is temporal summation?

Answer 3

Single presynaptic neurone releases enough neurotransmitter as a result of an action potential several times over a short time period