temporal summation

a neural mechanism in which an impulse is propagated by two successive postsynaptic potentials (PSPs), neither of which alone is of sufficient intensity to cause a response. The partial depolarization caused by the first PSP continues for a few milliseconds and is able, with the additive effect of the second PSP, to produce an above-threshold depolarization sufficient to elicit an action potential. Compare spatial summation.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

February 25th 2025

estazolam

n. a high-potency, intermediate-acting benzodiazepine used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. U.S. trade name: ProSom.