Threshold potential
Threshold Potential
Threshold potential is the critical level to which a membrane potential must be depolarized to initiate an action potential.
Pronunciation
Threshold Potential: /ˈθrɛʃˌhoʊld pəˈtɛnʃəl/
Etymology
The term "threshold potential" is derived from the English words "threshold" and "potential". "Threshold" comes from the Old English 'þrescold' meaning 'the point of entering', and "potential" comes from the Latin 'potentialis' meaning 'power, might, force'.
Definition
Threshold potential is the minimum amount of stimulus a neuron needs to cause an action potential. It is the point at which the membrane potential becomes positive, leading to the generation of an action potential.
Related Terms
- Membrane Potential: The difference in electric potential between the interior and the exterior of a biological cell.
- Action Potential: A short-lasting event in which the electrical membrane potential of a cell rapidly rises and falls.
- Resting Potential: The relatively static membrane potential of quiescent cells.
- Depolarization: A change in a cell's membrane potential, making it more positive, or less negative.
- Hyperpolarization: Change in a cell's membrane potential that makes it more negative. It is the opposite of depolarization.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Threshold potential
- Wikipedia's article - Threshold potential
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