Question

The basis of neural integration is

A) addition of postsynaptic potentials overlapping in time and space.
B) command signals from central pattern generators.
C) spontaneous activity in pacemaker neurons.
D) the area under the curve of postsynaptic potentials overlapping in time and space.

Answer 1

Neural integration is based on the addition of postsynaptic potentials overlapping in both time and space, known as summation, which can lead to an action potential if the threshold is reached.

Step-by-step explanation:

The basis of neural integration is the addition of postsynaptic potentials overlapping in time and space. This process, known as summation, involves the combination of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) to determine the overall change in membrane potential of the postsynaptic neuron. Summation can be either spatial or temporal. Spatial summation involves the combination of graded potentials from multiple locations on the neuron's membrane, whereas temporal summation is the accumulation of graded potentials that occur at the same location but at different times. If the resultant membrane potential reaches the threshold, it can trigger an action potential.