Resting Potential (RP)... the cell membrane potential characteristic of an excitable cell with the
                    inside of the cell negative with respect to the outside of the neuron.

Action Potential (AP)... A rapid change in the membrane potential of an excitable cell, caused
                   by the sequential opening and closing of
Na and K voltage gated ion channels.

Excitatory Post Synaptic Potential (EPSP)... an electrical charge (depolarization) in a post-
                    synaptic neuronal membrane caused by the binding of a neurotransmitter
                    substance released from the presynaptic cell and binding to a post-synaptic
                    receptor protein opening a ligand gated ion channel; may lead to a post-synaptic AP.

Inhibitory Post Synaptic Potential (IPSP)... an electrical charge (depolarization) in a post-
                    synaptic neuronal membrane caused by the binding of an inhibitory neurotransmitter
                    substance released from the presynaptic cell and binding to a post-synaptic
                    receptor protein - ligand gated ion channel; makes it more difficult to generate an AP.

Receptor Potential (RP)... depolarization of a receptor that occurs in response to a stimulus
                    resulting in a voltage across the receptor cell membrane that is graded
                   
proportionally to the stimulus  intensity and that determines the frequency of
                    action potentials traveling to the nervous system. (also called
Receptor Potential)
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