For summation of membrane potentials and subsequent generation of an action potential to occur,all incoming synaptic potentials must
A) be excitatory (EPSPs).
B) be inhibitory (IPSPs).
C) originate at the same time and place.
D) originate from the same place,although they may occur at separate times.
E) originate at the same time,although they may come from separate places.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Incoming synaptic potentials do not have to be exclusively excitatory or inhibitory, and they can originate from different locations. However, for summation to result in the generation of an action potential, the potentials must arrive at the same time. Therefore, option E ("originate at the same time, although they may come from separate places") is the best choice.

For Summation of Membrane Potentials and Subsequent Generation of an Action