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