Activity on a neuron that, when it returns, facilitates future activity on that neuron is called?

Activity on a neuron that, when it returns, facilitates future activity on that neuron is called?

• A. Positive feedback
• B. Negative feedback
• C. Inhibition
• D. Facilitation

Answer: (A)

Positive feedback occurs when the output of a process helps drive even more of that same process. In a neuron, activity that, once it occurs, makes the neuron more likely to fire again creates a self-reinforcing loop. For example, initial depolarization opens voltage-gated channels that promote further depolarization, increasing the chance of another action potential soon after. This is how the neuron’s own activity can facilitate its future activity. Negative feedback would dampen or oppose the activity, reducing the likelihood of further firing. Inhibition suppresses activity, and while synaptic facilitation refers to a transient increase in synaptic strength to boost responses, it’s about the efficiency of transmission at synapses rather than the neuron’s own return cycle promoting its next firing. The self-enhancing loop described here aligns with positive feedback, making it the best answer.

Positive feedback occurs when the output of a process helps drive even more of that same process. In a neuron, activity that, once it occurs, makes the neuron more likely to fire again creates a self-reinforcing loop. For example, initial depolarization opens voltage-gated channels that promote further depolarization, increasing the chance of another action potential soon after. This is how the neuron’s own activity can facilitate its future activity.

Negative feedback would dampen or oppose the activity, reducing the likelihood of further firing. Inhibition suppresses activity, and while synaptic facilitation refers to a transient increase in synaptic strength to boost responses, it’s about the efficiency of transmission at synapses rather than the neuron’s own return cycle promoting its next firing. The self-enhancing loop described here aligns with positive feedback, making it the best answer.