Synaptic Integration

Neurons in the brain receive thousands of synaptic inputs from other neurons. Synaptic integration is the term used to describe how neurons ‘add up’ these inputs before the generation of a nerve impulse, or action potential. The ability of synaptic inputs to effect neuronal output is determined by a number of factors, including the size, shape and relative timing of electrical potentials generated by synaptic inputs, the geometric structure of the target neuron, the physical location of synaptic inputs within that structure, as well as the expression of voltage-gated channels in different regions of the neuronal membrane. The process of synaptic integration is therefore modulated at multiple levels, contributing to the diverse and complex computational powers of the functioning brain.