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Threshold

Definition

The threshold is the minimum level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse.

Related terms

Action Potential: This is like the squirt of water that comes out when you press the trigger. It's an electrical charge that travels down an axon when a neuron has passed its threshold and fires.

Resting Potential: This is like the state of your water gun before you press its trigger. It's the state of a neuron when it's at rest and capable of generating an action potential.

All-or-None Response: This principle states that if a neuron fires, it will fire at full strength or not at all - just like your water gun either squirts fully or doesn't squirt at all depending on whether you've pressed hard enough (reached the threshold).

"Threshold" appears in:

Subjects (1)

  • Anatomy & Physiology

Study guides (1)

  • AP Psychology - 2.4 Neural Firing

Practice Questions (2)

  • What happens when a neuron’s threshold is met?

  • What happens when the neuron's threshold is met?

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About Us

About Fiveable

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Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

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Glossary

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Crisis Text Line

Help Center

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.