Neuro exam

Spatial summation

different receptors on neurons are being activated at the same time

Temporal summation

several impulses to the same receptor on a neuron over time (milliseconds)

Neurointergration

EPSPs + IPSPs

Hyperpolarization

an increase in membrane potential--the interior of the membrane becomes even more negative, relative to the outside; creates IPSP

Depolarization

decrease in membrane potential---the interior of the cell becomes less negative; creates EPSPs

Ion channel

a specialized protein molecule that permits specific ions to enter/leave the cell

Exogenous ligands

drugs, toxins; from outside the body

Endogenous ligands

neurotransmitters, hormones; from inside body

Ligands

a substance that has the ability to activate receptors

Electrostatic pressure

attractive force btw atomic particles charged w/ opposite signs or the repulsive force btw 2 atomic particles charged w/ the same sign; pushes K+ into the membrane

Diffusion

causes ions to flow from areas of high to low concentration along the concentration gradient; pushes K+ out