electrotonic conduction

the passive flow of a change in electric potential along a nerve or muscle membrane. It occurs in response to stimulation that is inadequate to trigger an actively propagated action potential (i.e., subthreshold stimulation) but instead generates depolarization in a small area of membrane. This localized depolarization travels to neighboring areas via the drifting fluid within the cell, rapidly attenuating as it spreads.

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Psychology term of the day

November 22nd 2024

upper threshold

the maximum intensity of a stimulus that can be perceived without pain.