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Factors Affecting Action Potentials

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What factors determine if action potentials will be generated by a postsynaptics neuron that receives both excitatory and inhibitory input?

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The posting involves a human anatomy and physiology problem. This solution discusses the factors needed to determine if action potentials will be generated by postsynaptic neurons.

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What determines whether or not a post-synaptic neuron will fire an action potential when it receives both excitatory and inhibitory input?

Inhibitory signals are called IPSPs (inhibitory post-synaptic potentials). These IPSPs hyperpolarize the membrane. That is, they make the resting potential even more negative than it normally is. If we assume a resting potential of about -70 mV, then an IPSPs might make the potential -90mV. In other words, IPSPs make it harder to reach threshold.

Threshold is the membrane potential which is required in order to trigger an action potential.

Excitatory signals are called EPSPs (excitatory ...

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