An inhibitory postsynaptic potential: A) is produced by simultaneous increases in permeability to both Na⁺ and K⁺. B) occurs when a ligand-gated ion channel increases its permeability to K⁺. C) is a small depolarization in a postsynaptic cell. D) can be summed with other IPSPs to trigger an action potential in the postsynaptic cell. E) is produced by an increase in permeability to only Na⁺.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) occurs when a ligand-gated ion channel increases its permeability to K⁺ or Cl^-, leading to hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic cell, making it less likely to fire an action potential.

An Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential