Intro | Spatial Summation | Temporal Summation
Part 1: Image-Mapped Tutorial
Part 2: Matching Self-Test
Part 3: Multiple-Choice Self-Test
Temporal summation occurs when multiple subthreshold EPSPs from one neuron occur close enough in time to combine and trigger an action potential at the axon hillock. Postsynaptic potentials last for approximately 4 millliseconds. Action potentials last for only 2 millliseconds. Hence, multiple action potentials coming from a single neuron may cause graded EPSPs of longer duration that summate across time to trigger another action potential.
| References |
Kogo, N. & Ariel, M. (1999). Response attenuation during coincident afferent excitatory inputs. Journal of Neurophysiology, 81(6), 2945-2955.
Gregory, R.L. (Ed.). (1987). The Oxford companion to the mind. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Simmons, J. (1996). The giant book of scientists. Sydney: The Book Company.