inhibitory postsynaptic potential
Quick Summary
An inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) is a temporary change in a neuron's membrane polarization that makes it less likely to fire an impulse. This occurs when a neurotransmitter binds to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, causing hyperpolarization—an increase in negative charge inside the neuron. This increased negativity moves the membrane potential further from the threshold needed to generate an action potential. IPSPs are graded potentials, meaning their magnitude varies with the stimulation. Neurons can integrate multiple IPSPs (and excitatory postsynaptic potentials) through summation, which determines if an impulse will be regenerated.12
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