Postsynaptic potential (PSP)

Definition

Postsynaptic potential is a change in the membrane potential of the postsynaptic terminal of a synapse, following the reception of a neurotransmitter. It can be depolarizing (excitatory) or hyperpolarizing (inhibitory), affecting the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential.

Related terms

Action Potential:

A rapid rise and subsequent fall in membrane potential that spreads along the length of a neuron's axon, essential for neural communication.

Synapse:

A junction between two neurons or between a neuron and a muscle cell, where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals.

Neurotransmitter:

Chemical messengers that cross synaptic gaps between neurons to transmit signals from one neuron to another