Final answer:
Spatial summation involves multiple graded potentials at different locations on a neuron, while temporal summation involves repeated signals at the same location over time. Both processes are critical for sensory processing in the cerebral cortex, where signals are integrated to form perceptions that can lead to responses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Spatial summation and temporal summation are two processes that relate to how multiple signals can influence a neuron to reach the threshold for action potential. Spatial summation involves multiple graded potentials that occur at different locations on the neuron's membrane. These potentials combine and may lead the cell to reach an action potential if sufficient excitatory signals are received. Contrastingly, temporal summation refers to graded potentials that occur at the same location in rapid succession, which can also lead to an action potential if the signals arrive close enough in time to be cumulative.
Sensory processing in the cerebral cortex follows a path from the primary sensory cortex to an association area, and then to a multimodal integration area. For instance, the visual pathway involves processing from the retina through the thalamus and onwards to the visual cortex. Here, sensory data such as shapes and depth are extracted from visual stimuli. Spatial and temporal summation play roles in how this sensory information is processed and integrated, influencing our perception and potentially leading to a motor response.