Final answer:
The false statement is C) IPSPs depolarize the membrane, as IPSPs actually hyperpolarize the membrane, contrary to the initiation of an action potential. EPSPs can initiate an action potential when threshold is reached, and the action potentials are 'all-or-none' events.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked to identify the FALSE statement among the given options. The correct answer is C) IPSPs depolarize the membrane. This is false because inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) actually hyperpolarize the membrane, making the neuron less likely to fire an action potential. In contrast, excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) depolarize the membrane and can initiate an action potential when the threshold is reached. The trigger zone, usually located at the axon hillock, is indeed considered the integrating center of the neuron where the decision to fire an action potential is made based on the cumulative inputs of EPSPs and IPSPs.
Action potentials are 'all-or-none' events, meaning that once the threshold is reached, the action potential occurs at its full magnitude and all action potentials peak at the same voltage. There are no 'bigger' or 'smaller' action potentials; stronger stimuli may cause action potentials to occur more frequently, but not with greater individual strength.