true
true
neuron
Specialized nerve cell engaged in information processing.
dendritic
Branching extension of a neuron’s cell membrane; greatly increases the cell’s surface area; collects information from other cells.
dendrites
Branching extension of a neuron’s cell membrane; greatly increases the cell’s surface area; collects information from other cells.
cell body (the soma)
Core region of the cell containing the nucleus and other organelles for making proteins.
excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)
Brief depolarization of a neuron membrane in response to stimulation, making the neuron more likely to produce an action potential.
inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)
Brief hyperpolarization of a neuron membrane in response to stimulation, making the neuron less likely to produce an action potential.
action potential
Large, brief reversal in the polarity of an axon membrane.
graded potential
Small voltage fluctuation across the cell membrane.
depolarization
Decrease in electrical charge difference across a membrane, usually due to the inward flow of sodium ions.
hyperpolarization
Increase in electrical charge difference across a membrane, usually due to the inward flow of chloride ions or the outward flow of potassium ions.
oscilloscope
Specialized device that serves as a sensitive voltmeter, registering changes in voltage over time.
temporal summation
Addition of one graded potential to another that occur close in time.
spatial summation
Addition of one graded potential to another that occur close in space.
initial segment
Area of high-density voltage gated ion channels where the potential is generated.

Neural Integration: Sending Signals

By: Dr. Aileen M. Bailey, St. Mary’s College of Maryland