The action potential is best defined as:
A)the amount of serotonin that can cross the axon's membrane.
B)the +3- to +7-volt capacity of a typical motor neuron.
C)the ability of a motor neuron to either contract or relax a muscle group.
D)a brief electrical impulse that transmits information along the axon of a neuron.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The action potential is a brief electrical impulse that travels along the axon of a neuron, allowing for the transmission of information from one neuron to another or from a neuron to a muscle cell. It is a result of a rapid change in the electrical charge of the neuron's membrane, typically from -70 millivolts to +30 millivolts, causing a depolarization and then repolarization of the membrane. Choices A, B, and C are all incorrect definitions of the action potential.

The Action Potential Is Best Defined As