As a neuroscientist with a focus on cellular and molecular neuroscience, I can explain the concept of subthreshold potential. The term "subthreshold potential" refers to the membrane potential of a neuron that is below the threshold necessary to trigger an action potential. In other words, it's the electrical state of the neuron when it is not actively firing but is still capable of responding to stimuli. Neurons receive signals through their dendrites and, if the input is strong enough, the membrane potential can rise towards the threshold level. However, if the input is not sufficient to reach this critical level, known as the "firing threshold," the neuron remains in a subthreshold state. Even in this state, the neuron can exhibit oscillations or fluctuations in its membrane potential, which are important for various neural functions, including signal processing and integration. Subthreshold membrane potential oscillations are rhythmic fluctuations of the voltage difference between the interior and exterior of a neuron. These oscillations can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the neuron's morphology, the types of ion channels it expresses, and the patterns of synaptic input it receives. When the membrane potential of a neuron increases and surpasses the critical threshold, typically around -55 millivolts for many types of neurons, an action potential is generated. This is a rapid, regenerative depolarization followed by a repolarization phase, which allows the neuron to transmit signals over long distances. In summary, the subthreshold potential is a critical aspect of neuronal function, representing the dynamic state of a neuron's readiness to fire an action potential in response to incoming signals. read more >>

Subthreshold membrane potential oscillations are rhythmic fluctuations of the voltage difference between the interior and exterior of a neuron, in the nervous system. Neurons produce action potentials when their membrane potential increases past a critical threshold.read more >>