What is an EPSP and IPSP?

EPSP and IPSP are the two types of electric charges found on the membrane of the postsynaptic nerve at the synapse. The EPSP is caused by the flow of positively-charged ions into the postsynaptic nerve whereas, the IPSP is caused by the flow of negatively-charged ions into the postsynaptic nerve.

What causes an IPSP quizlet?

Inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) may be caused by the opening of either chemically gated potassium channels or chemically gated chloride channels. As a result of a neurotransmitter opening up chemically gated sodium channels on the postsynaptic membrane, the postsynaptic neuron hyperpolarizes.

What happens during an IPSP?

An IPSP is received when an inhibitory presynaptic cell, connected to the dendrite, fires an action potential. The IPSP signal is propagated down the dendrite and is summed with other inputs at the axon hilllock. The IPSP decreases the neurons membrane potential and makes more unlikely for an action potential to occur.

Why are EPSPs and IPSPs important?

That is, they tend to keep the membrane potential of the postsynaptic neuron below threshold for firing an action potential. IPSPs are important because they can counteract, or cancel out, the excitatory effect of EPSPs.

What does an EPSP do?

In neuroscience, an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) is a postsynaptic potential that makes the postsynaptic neuron more likely to fire an action potential.

What is EPSP quizlet?

EPSP (excitatory postsynaptic potential) is a temporary depolarization of postsynaptic membrane caused by the flow of positively charged ions into the postsynaptic cell as a result of opening of ligand-sensitive channels.

What happens in EPSP?

An excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) occurs when sodium channels open in response to a stimulus. The electrochemical gradient drives sodium to rush into the cell. When sodium brings its positive charge into the cell, the cell’s membrane potential becomes more positive, or depolarizes.

What happens during an EPSP?

What causes hyperpolarization?

Hyperpolarization is often caused by efflux of K+ (a cation) through K+ channels, or influx of Cl– (an anion) through Cl– channels. On the other hand, influx of cations, e.g. Na+ through Na+ channels or Ca2+ through Ca2+ channels, inhibits hyperpolarization.

How do EPSPs and IPSPs work together?

In short, the summation of EPSPs and IPSPs by a postsynaptic neuron permits a neuron to integrate the electrical information provided by all the inhibitory and excitatory synapses acting on it at any moment.

What is an IPSP quizlet?

IPSP (inhibitory postsynaptic potential) is a temporary hyperpolarization of postsynaptic membrane caused by the flow of negatively charged ions into the postsynaptic cell.