Neural Processing of Inputs

The fundamental way a neuron processes its inputs is to interact its excitatory and inhibitory signals that come from neurons that innervate it.

 Enough excitatory inputs will make the neuron create an action potential.

 Enough inhibitory inputs will prevent action potentials from occurring.

A neuron’s ability to extract information from its inputs depends on

 the exact way in which the neuron is innervated,

 where its inputs come from,

 when its inputs arrive, and

 how sensitive the neuron is to its inputs.

 
From the CIBA Collection of Medical Illustrations, Volume 1