Threshold

Definition

In the context of nervous tissue function, a threshold is the minimum level of stimulus intensity required to activate or depolarize a neuron, leading to an action potential. It is a critical point that once crossed, results in a significant physiological response within the neuron.

Related terms

Action Potential:

A rapid rise and subsequent fall in voltage or membrane potential across a cellular membrane as a nerve impulse is transmitted.

Depolarization:

The process by which a cell's resting membrane potential becomes less negative (more positive), making the neuron more likely to fire an action potential.

Neuron:

A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; a nerve cell