When several EPSPs arrive at the axon hillock from different presynaptic locations,depolarizing the postsynaptic cell to threshold for an action potential,this is an example of

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Spatial summation occurs when EPSPs arrive at different synapses simultaneously and their effects are added together to reach threshold for an action potential at the axon hillock. Temporal summation occurs when EPSPs arrive at the same synapse in rapid succession, causing their effects to add up over time and depolarize the postsynaptic cell to threshold. Tetanus refers to a sustained contraction of a muscle caused by rapid firing of action potentials in motor neurons. The refractory state is a period of time after an action potential during which the neuron is incapable of firing another action potential. An action potential with an abnormally high peak of depolarization is not a valid choice as it is not related to the scenario described in the question.

When Several EPSPs Arrive at the Axon Hillock from Different