| excitatory postsynaptic potentials | The change in potential produced in the membrane of the next neuron when an impulse which has an excitatory influence arrives at the synapse; it is a local change in the direction of depolarisation; summation of these potentials can lead to discharge of an impulse by the neuron. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| excitatory synapse | <physiology> A synapse (either chemical or electrical) in which an action potential in the presynaptic cell increases the probability of an action potential occurring in the postsynaptic cell. See: inhibitory synapse. (18 Nov 1997) |
| local excitatory state | Increased irritability of a nerve fibre or muscle fibre which is produced by an ineffective electrical stimulus; summation of the stimuli may occur, resulting in a propagated impulse if two or more subliminal stimuli are applied in rapid succession. (05 Mar 2000) |