Which presynaptic activity would be the most effective in producing the greatest increase in firing rate of a postsynaptic neuron? A) Activity that hyperpolarizes some dendrites and depolarizes others B) Activity that always opens Cl^- channels C) Excitatory activity that is repeated frequently and occurs at many locations in the dendrites of the postsynaptic cell D) Activity that lowers the resting membrane potential E) Activity that increases neurotransmitter synthesis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Excitatory activity that is repeated frequently and occurs at many locations in the dendrites of the postsynaptic cell would be the most effective in producing the greatest increase in firing rate of a postsynaptic neuron. This is because this type of activity would result in a stronger depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane, leading to a greater likelihood of reaching the threshold for firing an action potential. Additionally, the fact that the activity occurs at many locations in the dendrites increases the overall level of depolarization, further increasing the likelihood of firing.

Which Presynaptic Activity Would Be the Most Effective in Producing