To process information,postsynaptic neurons often add up simultaneous signals from several presynaptic neurons.Which structure and process allow them to do so?
A)axons; temporal summation
B)axons; spatial summation
C)dendrites; temporal summation
D)dendrites; spatial summation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Spatial summation occurs when the post-synaptic neuron receives signals from multiple presynaptic neurons at different locations on its dendrites, which are then added together to generate a larger signal. Axons are responsible for transmitting signals from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron, but the process of adding up signals is carried out by the dendrites of the postsynaptic neuron. Temporal summation occurs when signals from the same presynaptic neuron are added up over time rather than being received simultaneously, so option B is incorrect.

To Process Information,postsynaptic Neurons Often Add Up Simultaneous Signals from Several