What term refers to the integration of EPSPs and IPSPs in the postsynaptic neuron?

• A. Summation
• B. Temporal summation
• C. Spatial summation
• D. Neural integration

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how a neuron decides to fire by combining multiple synaptic inputs. EPSPs push the membrane potential toward the threshold, while IPSPs push it away. The neuron sums these influences at the postsynaptic membrane, and this net effect determines whether an action potential is reached. This combining process is called summation. Temporal summation refers to rapid successive inputs from the same synapse adding up over time, while spatial summation involves simultaneous inputs from different synapses adding up across the cell. So, the general act of blending EPSPs and IPSPs to produce a net response is summation.