Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement if false, correct it to make a true statement.

b. Postsynaptic potentials may summate by spatial summation in which multiple neurons fire onto a single postsynaptic neuron.

Video transcript

Hi everyone. Let's take a look at this practice problem together. The combination of post synaptic potentials taking place in a specific location but occurring at slightly different times is called the answer. Options are a spatial summation B, refractory period, C excitatory postsynaptic potential. And D temporal summation recall that postsynaptic potentials occur when neurotransmitters cause changes in the resting membrane potential of the post synaptic membrane. So postsynaptic potentials change the membrane potential when a combination of these potentials occur at the same location. But at different times, what is this called? Option C excitatory postsynaptic potential recall that this is just one type of a postsynaptic potential. It's not the combination of potentials. So option C is incorrect. Option B, the refractory period recall that this is the period of time that occurs after an action potential. But before the normal resting membrane potential is reached again, it's not a combination of post synaptic potentials. So we can also eliminate option B. So when different stimuli take place at the same location, but different times is that spatial summation or temporal summation? Well, recall that spatial summation is when two stimuli or two potentials arrive at the same time but at different locations. So option A is not correct. That means that temporal summation is when the potentials arrive in rapid succession at the same location. So the correct answer is option D temporal summation. All right, everyone. I hope you found this helpful and I'll see you soon for the next practice problem.