An EPSP causes a depolarization of 15 mV on a proximal dendrite.  At the same time, an IPSP causes a hyperpolarization of 10 mV in a different proximal dendrite. Vm is -65 mV, and threshold for firing an action potential is -55 mV. In this case, will an action potential be generated?   Can pick more than one... It depends on factors including the intracellular and membrane resistance. No, because the net effect on the membrane is -60 mV, which is below threshold. Yes, because the EPSPs travel faster than IPSPs, so the hillock (trigger zone) will be stimulated to -50 mV, which exceeds threshold. It depends on factors like "how much will the graded potentials decay before they arrive at the hillock".  In short, if the axon hillock (trigger zone) is depolarized beyond -55 mV, the answer is "yes".  If not, then "no".

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
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An EPSP causes a depolarization of 15 mV on a proximal dendrite.  At the same time, an IPSP causes a hyperpolarization of 10 mV in a different proximal dendrite.

Vm is -65 mV, and threshold for firing an action potential is -55 mV.

In this case, will an action potential be generated?

 

Can pick more than one...

It depends on factors including the intracellular and membrane resistance.
No, because the net effect on the membrane is -60 mV, which is below threshold.
Yes, because the EPSPs travel faster than IPSPs, so the hillock (trigger zone) will be stimulated to -50 mV, which exceeds threshold.
It depends on factors like "how much will the graded potentials decay before they arrive at the hillock".  In short, if the axon hillock (trigger zone) is depolarized beyond -55 mV, the answer is "yes".  If not, then "no".
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