Fires in AP Psychology

Definition

When we say that a neuron "fires," it means it has reached its threshold for activation and sends out an action potential, which is an electrical impulse, along its axon.

Related terms

Threshold:

The threshold is the minimum level of stimulation required for a neuron to fire an action potential.

Neurotransmitters:

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released by neurons that transmit signals across synapses to other neurons or target cells.

Excitatory vs. Inhibitory Signals: Excitatory signals increase the likelihood of a neuron firing, while inhibitory signals decrease the likelihood of firing.