spatial summation

physiology

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July 14, 2026

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Spatial summation is a physiological process where multiple, simultaneous stimuli from different neurons are added together. Individually, these stimuli are too weak to cause a response. However, when they converge on a single neuron, their combined effect can reach a threshold, leading to a response, such as the firing of a new nerve impulse. This is distinct from temporal summation, which involves successive stimuli from the same neuron. Spatial summation is a key mechanism for neurons to integrate signals from various sources.12

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human eye
Spatial summation
In spatial summation, two stimuli falling on nearby areas of the retina add their effects; though either alone may be inadequate to evoke the sensation of light, they may do so when presented simultaneously. Thus, the threshold luminance of a test patch required…
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In spatial summation, two stimuli falling on nearby areas of the retina add their effects; though either alone may be inadequate to evoke the sensation of light, they may do so when presented simultaneously. Thus, the threshold luminance of a test patch required…
Read More

summation
…several conducting fibres is called spatial summation.
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…several conducting fibres is called spatial summation.
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