The Graded Potential

Question 1

graded potentials

Answer 1

changes in the membrane potential of a neuron that are not large enough to trigger action potentials but can vary in strength

Question 2

subthreshold graded potentials

Answer 2

a membrane potential change in a neuron that does not reach the threshold required to trigger an action potential

Question 3

suprathreshold graded potentials

Answer 3

a membrane potential change in a neuron that surpasses the threshold required to trigger an action potential

Question 4

temporal summation

Answer 4

mechanism by which the effects of closely timed postsynaptic potentials at a single synapse are added together, influencing the membrane potential of the postsynaptic neuron and, potentially, leading to the generation of an action potential.

Question 5

spatial summation

Answer 5

occurs when the currents from nearly simultaneous graded potentials combine

Question 6

EPSP

Answer 6

refers to the transient(temporary) postsynaptic membrane depolarization by presynaptic release of neurotransmitter

Question 7

which types of neurotransmitters cause EPSPs (give some examples )

Answer 7

excitatory/ stimulatory neurotransmitters

Glutamate
ACh

Question 8

IPSP(Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potentials)

Answer 8

Transient postsynaptic membrane hyperpolarisation by presynaptic release of neurotransmitter

Question 9

which types of neurotransmitters cause IPSPs (give some examples )

Answer 9

Inhibitory neurotransmitters

GABA
Glycine

Question 10

the target of the ACh released by the SNS

Answer 10

Nicotinic ACh receptors

Question 11

where in the neuron do action potentials occur

Answer 11

the trigger zone

Question 12

where in the neuron do graded potentials occur

Answer 12

usually dendrites and the cell body

Question 13

type of signals involved in graded potentials

Answer 13

could be depolarizing or hyperpolarizing