BASEBiological Archive
for Science & Education
Search
HomeExploreGraded Potential
Process

Graded Potential

Graded potential

A local change in membrane voltage whose size varies with the input and that can spread passively over a limited distance.

Overview

EXPLORE BY LEVEL

A graded potential is a small, local voltage change. Different inputs can make it larger, smaller, or reverse its direction, and several inputs can add together.

Quick Facts

AT A GLANCE
TopicCell Biology

Follow the Connections

See how Graded Potential links to other biological records.

Open network
Cell typeNeuronintegratesProcessAction Potentialcan reach threshold to initiate
All 2 Structured Connections
Neuron · Cell typeINTEGRATES →Graded Potential · Process
Graded Potential · ProcessCAN REACH THRESHOLD TO INITIATE →Action Potential · Process

Recommended Reading

Trusted references for learning more about Graded Potential.

textbookThe Action PotentialOpenStax Anatomy and Physiology 2e textbookCommunication Between NeuronsOpenStax Anatomy and Physiology 2e
Research Claims

Dendritic integration depends on morphology, active conductances, synapse location, timing, inhibition, and ongoing membrane state; a point-summation model is a simplification.