Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System

Propagation of Action Potentials

Anatomy & Physiology

11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System

Propagation of Action Potentials

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Problem 16b

Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement if false, correct it to make a true statement.
Postsynaptic potentials may summate by spatial summation in which multiple neurons fire onto a single postsynaptic neuron.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of spatial summation. Spatial summation occurs when multiple presynaptic neurons release neurotransmitters at the same time onto a single postsynaptic neuron, causing the postsynaptic potentials to combine.

Step 2: Analyze the statement provided. The statement claims that postsynaptic potentials may summate by spatial summation, where multiple neurons fire onto a single postsynaptic neuron.

Step 3: Determine if the statement aligns with the definition of spatial summation. Based on the definition, the statement is accurate because spatial summation involves multiple neurons firing onto a single postsynaptic neuron.

Step 4: Mark the statement as true. Since the statement correctly describes spatial summation, it does not require correction.

Step 5: Conclude that no further action is needed, as the statement is already accurate and aligns with the concept of spatial summation.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Postsynaptic Potentials

Postsynaptic potentials are changes in the membrane potential of a postsynaptic neuron that occur when neurotransmitters bind to receptors on its surface. These potentials can be excitatory (EPSPs) or inhibitory (IPSPs), influencing whether the neuron will fire an action potential. Understanding these potentials is crucial for grasping how neurons communicate and process information.

Spatial Summation

Spatial summation refers to the process by which multiple presynaptic neurons release neurotransmitters simultaneously onto a single postsynaptic neuron, leading to a cumulative effect on the postsynaptic potential. This mechanism allows for the integration of signals from various sources, which can determine whether the postsynaptic neuron reaches the threshold to fire an action potential.

Neuronal Communication

Neuronal communication is the process by which neurons transmit signals to one another through synapses. This involves the release of neurotransmitters from presynaptic neurons, which bind to receptors on postsynaptic neurons, resulting in postsynaptic potentials. Understanding this communication is essential for analyzing how information is processed in the nervous system.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Identify the following as properties of electrical synapses (ES), chemical synapses (CS), or both (B).

a. ______ The plasma membranes of presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons are joined by gap junctions.

b. ______ Transmission is unidirectional and delayed.

c. ______ A presynaptic neuron and a postsynaptic neuron are involved.

d. ______ The use of neurotransmitters packaged into synaptic vesicles is required.

e. ______ Transmission is nearly instantaneous and bidirectional.

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Textbook Question

The trigger for exocytosis of synaptic vesicles from the presynaptic neuron is:

a. Arrival of an action potential at the axon terminal and influx of calcium ions.

b. Summation of IPSPs at the presynaptic neuron.

c. Binding of neurotransmitters to the axon hillock.

d. Influx of Na⁺ into the postsynaptic neuron.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following is not a method by which the effects of neurotransmitters are terminated?

a. Reuptake into the presynaptic neuron

b. Diffusion away from the synaptic cleft and uptake by glial cells

c. Movement back to the cell body by retrograde axonal transport

d. Degradation by enzymes in the synaptic cleft

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Textbook Question

A ________ is characterized by multiple input neurons synapsing on one postsynaptic neuron.

a. Diverging circuit

b. Discharge zone

c. Facilitation zone

d. Converging circuit

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement if false, correct it to make a true statement.

An inhibitory postsynaptic potential causes the membrane potential of the postsynaptic neuron to approach threshold.

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Textbook Question

Explain how an action potential is propagated down an axon in continuous conduction. Why is saltatory conduction faster than continuous conduction?

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Textbook Question

The velocity of nerve impulse conduction is greatest in

a. Heavily myelinated, large-diameter fibers

b. Myelinated, small-diameter fibers

c. Nonmyelinated, small-diameter fibers

d. Nonmyelinated, large-diameter fibers

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Textbook Question

During a neurobiology lecture, a professor repeatedly refers to group A and group B fibers, absolute refractory period, and myelin sheath gaps. Define these terms.