threshold
Definition
In the context of nervous tissue function, a threshold is the minimum level of stimulus intensity required to activate or depolarize a neuron, leading to an action potential. It is a critical point that once crossed, results in a significant physiological response within the neuron.
Related terms
Action Potential: A rapid rise and subsequent fall in voltage or membrane potential across a cellular membrane as a nerve impulse is transmitted.
Depolarization: The process by which a cell's resting membrane potential becomes less negative (more positive), making the neuron more likely to fire an action potential.
Neuron: A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; a nerve cell
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