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Electrotonic PotentialIn order for a neuron to fire, there are two types of electrical potentials produced. The first is a non-propagated local potential called an electrotonic potential and the second is a propagated impulse called an action potential. Smaller neurons in relation to their length, such as neurons in the brain, have only electrotonic potentials while longer neurons require both. The electrotonic potential is produced via the passive electrical properties of the neuronal membrane. It is a graded response, which is a major distinction from the action potential, which is all-or-none in response. This potential spreads passively, and has the advantage that conduction is faster than compared to the action potential. However, this response also decreases in magnitude with respect to distance and time.
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