Graded potential

Definition

Graded potentials are changes in membrane potential that vary in size and are localized to a specific part of the cell membrane. These changes can either make the neuron more likely to fire (depolarize) or less likely (hyperpolarize), depending on the stimulus.

Related terms

Action Potential:

A rapid rise and subsequent fall in voltage or membrane potential across a cellular membrane with a fixed amplitude and duration.

Depolarization:

The process by which a cell's normally negative internal charge becomes less negative or even positive, usually leading towards an action potential.

Hyperpolarization:

An increase in a cell's membrane potential, making it more negative than its normal resting potential and reducing the likelihood of generating an action potential.