Editing Action potential (section)

===Dynamics===
Action potentials are most commonly initiated by [[excitatory postsynaptic potential]]s from a presynaptic neuron.{{sfnm|1a1=Bullock|1a2=Orkand|1a3=Grinnell|1y=1977|1pp=177–240|2a1=Schmidt-Nielsen|2y=1997|2pp=490-499|3a1=Stevens|3y=1966|3p=47–68}} Typically, [[neurotransmitter]] molecules are released by the [[synapse|presynaptic]] [[neuron]]. These neurotransmitters then bind to receptors on the postsynaptic cell. This binding opens various types of [[ion channel]]s. This opening has the further effect of changing the local permeability of the [[cell membrane]] and, thus, the membrane potential. If the binding increases the voltage (depolarizes the membrane), the synapse is excitatory. If, however, the binding decreases the voltage (hyperpolarizes the membrane), it is inhibitory. Whether the voltage is increased or decreased, the change propagates passively to nearby regions of the membrane (as described by the [[cable equation]] and its refinements). Typically, the voltage stimulus decays exponentially with the distance from the synapse and with time from the binding of the neurotransmitter. Some fraction of an excitatory voltage may reach the [[axon hillock]] and may (in rare cases) depolarize the membrane enough to provoke a new action potential. More typically, the excitatory potentials from several synapses must [[spatial summation|work together]] at [[temporal summation|nearly the same time]] to provoke a new action potential. Their joint efforts can be thwarted, however, by the counteracting [[inhibitory postsynaptic potential]]s.{{cn|date=May 2024}}

Neurotransmission can also occur through [[electrical synapse]]s.{{sfnm|1a1=Bullock|1a2=Orkand|1a3=Grinnell|1y=1977|1pp=178–180|2a1=Schmidt-Nielsen|2y=1997|2pp=490-491}} Due to the direct connection between excitable cells in the form of [[gap junction]]s, an action potential can be transmitted directly from one cell to the next in either direction. The free flow of ions between cells enables rapid non-chemical-mediated transmission. Rectifying channels ensure that action potentials move only in one direction through an electrical synapse.{{Citation needed|date=May 2011}} Electrical synapses are found in all nervous systems, including the human brain, although they are a distinct minority.{{sfn|Purves|Augustine|Fitzpatrick|Hall|2001}}