When two excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) occur at a single synapse so rapidly in succession that the postsynaptic neuron's membrane potential has not returned to the resting potential before the second EPSP arrives, the EPSPs add together producing ________.
A) temporal summation
B) spatial summation
C) tetanus
D) the refractory state

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Temporal summation occurs when EPSPs are generated in quick succession from the same presynaptic neuron, causing them to add together and potentially reach the threshold for an action potential. This occurs when EPSPs arrive before the postsynaptic neuron has had time to return to its resting potential, resulting in their summation. Spatial summation, on the other hand, involves EPSPs arriving from multiple synapses simultaneously and adding together to reach the threshold for an action potential. Tetanus refers to a sustained contraction of muscles due to rapid and repeated stimulation. The refractory state is a period of time during which a neuron is unable to generate an action potential due to its hyperpolarized state after a previous action potential.

When Two Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials (EPSPs) Occur at a Single