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the rate of firing of neurons

English translation: the rate at which neurons fire

09:01 Oct 10, 2007
English language (monolingual) [PRO]
Science - Medical (general) / neurology
English term or phrase: the rate of firing of neurons
In the following context, please explain what the rate of firing of neurons is.

"GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) reduces the rate of firing of neurons and thus the degree of mental activity. Both Valium and barbiturate sedatives reinforce the action of GABA in slowing the rate of firing."
charoen
Local time: 10:06
Selected answer:the rate at which neurons fire
Explanation:
It's the speed at which the neuron fires its electrical impulse. Does that help? If they fired uncontrollably they would cause a seizure. GABA-secreting neurons are inhibitory, so they slow the firing down.

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Note added at 25 mins (2007-10-10 09:26:16 GMT)
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Sorry: "It's the speed at which the neuron fires its electrical impulse" should have read "it's the FREQUENCY with which the neuron fires its electrical impulse": I think it's more to do with rate than speed.



Selected response from:

awilliams
United Kingdom
Local time: 04:06
Grading comment
Thanks, Amy.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



SUMMARY OF ALL EXPLANATIONS PROVIDED
3 +8the rate at which neurons fire
awilliams


  

Answers


20 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +8
the rate at which neurons fire


Explanation:
It's the speed at which the neuron fires its electrical impulse. Does that help? If they fired uncontrollably they would cause a seizure. GABA-secreting neurons are inhibitory, so they slow the firing down.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 25 mins (2007-10-10 09:26:16 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

Sorry: "It's the speed at which the neuron fires its electrical impulse" should have read "it's the FREQUENCY with which the neuron fires its electrical impulse": I think it's more to do with rate than speed.





awilliams
United Kingdom
Local time: 04:06
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 8
Grading comment
Thanks, Amy.

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  orientalhorizon: yes, it's a measure of the activeness of the neurons.
7 mins
  -> thanks, orientalhorizon
agree  MMUlr: Yes, it's about action potential of nerve cells --> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_potentials
19 mins
  -> thanks, MMUlr
agree  CHEN-Ling
6 hrs
  -> thanks, Yang, Min
agree  Veronica Prpic Uhing
10 hrs
agree  Claire Chapman
11 hrs
agree  jccantrell
11 hrs
agree  Shirley Lao
1 day 18 hrs
agree  Alfa Trans (X)
3 days 7 hrs
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