Final answer:
Synaptic integration involves divergence (one neuron to many), convergence (many neurons to one), spatial summation (multiple locations), and temporal summation (different times). These mechanisms help determine whether a neuron will fire an action potential. The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
Synaptic integration encompasses several concepts that describe how neurons process incoming signals. This includes divergence, convergence, spatial summation, and temporal summation.
Divergence occurs when a single neuron forms synaptic connections with multiple post-synaptic neurons, distributing its signal to multiple targets. Convergence is the opposite, where multiple neurons synapse onto a single post-synaptic neuron, combining their influences on that neuron.
Spatial summation refers to the integration of signals that are received at different locations on the neuron's membrane, combining the effects of simultaneous inputs. Temporal summation is the process by which multiple signals received at the same location, but at different times, are added together to produce a larger post-synaptic potential.
Together, these mechanisms contribute to the neuron's decision-making process of whether to fire an action potential or not, by integrating excitatory and inhibitory inputs over time and space at the axon hillock.