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💀anatomy and physiology i review

Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) are localized depolarizations that occur in the postsynaptic membrane of a neuron when excitatory neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft. These depolarizations increase the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron will generate an action potential, facilitating communication between neurons.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. EPSPs are generated when excitatory neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, causing an influx of positively charged ions (typically sodium) into the postsynaptic cell.
  2. The magnitude of the EPSP is influenced by the number of neurotransmitter molecules released, the number and sensitivity of receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, and the distance between the presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals.
  3. EPSPs summate both spatially and temporally, meaning that multiple EPSPs occurring in close proximity or in quick succession can combine to increase the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron generating an action potential.
  4. The integration of EPSPs and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) determines the overall excitability of the postsynaptic neuron and its ability to fire an action potential.
  5. Disruptions in the balance of excitatory and inhibitory inputs can lead to neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, where excessive excitation causes abnormal neuronal firing patterns.

Review Questions

  • Explain the role of excitatory neurotransmitters in the generation of EPSPs.
    • Excitatory neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, are released from the presynaptic terminal and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane. This binding triggers an influx of positively charged ions, typically sodium, into the postsynaptic cell, causing a localized depolarization known as an EPSP. The magnitude of the EPSP is influenced by the number of neurotransmitter molecules released, the number and sensitivity of receptors, and the distance between the pre- and postsynaptic terminals.
  • Describe how the summation of EPSPs can lead to the generation of an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron.
    • EPSPs can summate both spatially and temporally, meaning that multiple EPSPs occurring in close proximity or in quick succession can combine to increase the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron generating an action potential. The integration of EPSPs and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) determines the overall excitability of the postsynaptic neuron. If the combined excitatory inputs are strong enough to depolarize the postsynaptic membrane to the threshold potential, an action potential will be generated, enabling the transmission of information to the next neuron in the circuit.
  • Discuss the importance of the balance between excitatory and inhibitory inputs in maintaining normal neuronal function, and how disruptions in this balance can lead to neurological disorders.
    • The balance between excitatory and inhibitory inputs is crucial for maintaining normal neuronal function and ensuring the proper transmission of information within the nervous system. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to neurological disorders. For example, in epilepsy, excessive excitation caused by an imbalance towards EPSPs can result in abnormal neuronal firing patterns and seizures. Conversely, an imbalance towards inhibitory inputs can lead to impaired neuronal communication and contribute to conditions such as Parkinson's disease. Maintaining the delicate equilibrium between excitation and inhibition is essential for the brain to function properly and avoid neurological dysfunction.