View source for Synaptic potentials

The measurement of '''synaptic potentials''' was an indication of [[brain activity]], the level of the synaptic potentials being related to the state (healthy or otherwise) of a person's [[neural pattern]]s.

In [[2373]], [[Benjamin Sisko]] suffered odd synaptic potentials following an accident in which he was exposed to a [[plasma]] burst from a [[holosuite]] console. The condition was associated with temporary [[post-neural shock syndrome]], and coincided with a series of visions that Sisko experienced concerning the future of [[Bajor]]. The condition deteriorated, resulting in painful and crippling headaches. [[Doctor]] [[Julian Bashir|Bashir]] determined that his [[basal ganglia]] were starting to depolarize and, later, that his entire [[Nervous system|central nervous system]] was depolarizing, at which point the condition had become life threatening. Eventually, it was necessary to perform a [[neuropolaric induction]] to save Sisko's life; this was a success, returning his brain activity to normal, but it also put an end to the visions. ({{DS9|Rapture}})

({{VOY|The Swarm}})

Sisko suffered again from unusual synaptic potentials in [[2374]] in association with another vision, this time of the past. On this occasion, his neural pathways returned to normal without the need for surgery after the vision concluded. ({{DS9|Far Beyond the Stars}})

({{VOY|Random Thoughts}})

{{bginfo|In {{s|DS9}}, the phrase "synaptic potentials" was a form of [[technobabble]]{{Incite|date=July 2017}} used as an indication that Benjamin Sisko was experiencing visions, most likely associated with or caused by the [[Prophet]]s.|In real world neuroscience, a ''synapse'' is the junction between two neurons (nerve cells) in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Nerve impulses are transmitted across a synapse when the presynaptic neuron releases neurotransmitter that causes a change in electrical state (specifically, a depolarization) of the postsynaptic neuron. The depolarization of the postsynaptic cell is referred to as a "synaptic potential". {{el|http://faculty.clintoncc.suny.edu/faculty/Michael.Gregory/files/Bio%20102/Bio%20102%20lectures/Nervous%20System/neurons.htm}}|The association of odd synaptic potentials with [[post-neural shock syndrome]] is plausible. It is clear in {{e|Rapture}} that the "odd" synaptic potentials experienced by Sisko are associated with depolarization, which in real world neuroscience would mean that the postsynaptic neurons would require less stimulation to be excited and conduct nerve impulses.{{el|http://faculty.clintoncc.suny.edu/faculty/Michael.Gregory/files/Bio%20102/Bio%20102%20lectures/Nervous%20System/neurons.htm}}Hence, they would be more active than usual, rendering the patient more sensitive to stimuli.}}

== External link ==
* {{Wikipedia|Synaptic potential}}

[[de:Synaptisches Potential]]
[[Category:Biology]]