Question

Spatial summation refers to

A) electrical signals reaching neurons from outer space.
B) multiple graded potentials arriving at one location simultaneously.
C) repeated graded potentials reaching the trigger zone one after the other.
D) suprathreshold potentials triggering action potentials that are extra large.
E) All of the answers are correct.

Answer 1

Spatial summation refers to the combination of graded potentials across the neuronal cell membrane caused by signals from separate presynaptic elements that add up to initiate an action potential.

Step-by-step explanation:

Spatial summation refers to the combination of graded potentials across the neuronal cell membrane caused by signals from separate presynaptic elements that add up to initiate an action potential. It is the result of multiple graded potentials at different locations on the neuron. Spatial summation is related to associating the activity of multiple inputs to a neuron with each other.