What would most likely happen if twice as many inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) as excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) arrive in close proximity at a postsynaptic neuron?
A) a stronger action potential
B) a weaker action potential
C) no action potential
D) many action potentials

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) decrease the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential by making the inside of the neuron more negative, moving it further from the threshold needed to trigger an action potential. If twice as many IPSPs as excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) arrive, the overall effect would be inhibitory, making it less likely for the neuron to reach the threshold for firing an action potential, resulting in no action potential.

What Would Most Likely Happen If Twice as Many Inhibitory