Nerves – Graded Potentials and Synapses

These flashcards cover key concepts related to graded potentials, synaptic transmission, and the autonomic nervous system as presented in the lecture notes.

Graded Potentials

Changes in membrane potential that decrease in strength as they spread from the point of origin.

Subthreshold Graded Potential

A graded potential that is below the threshold required to initiate an action potential.

Suprathreshold Graded Potential

A graded potential that exceeds the threshold, resulting in an action potential.

Spatial Summation

The process by which graded potentials from different locations combine to generate a larger potential.

Temporal Summation

The process where graded potentials that occur close together in time combine to generate a larger potential.

Action Potential

An all-or-nothing electrical signal that neurons use to communicate, characterized by rapid depolarization and repolarization.

Synaptic Transmission

The process by which neurotransmitters are released from a presynaptic neuron and bind to receptors on a postsynaptic neuron.

Ionotropic Receptor

A type of receptor that forms an ion channel and mediates fast synaptic transmission.

Metabotropic Receptor

A type of receptor that is linked to intracellular signaling pathways and mediates slower synaptic transmission.

Action Potential Frequency

The rate at which action potentials are generated; it indicates the strength of a stimulus.

Autonomic Nervous System

A part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions and consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches.

Neurotransmitter Termination

The process by which neurotransmitter action is terminated, which can occur via breakdown, reuptake into cells, or diffusion away from the synapse.