What keeps an action potential continuing down an axon?
A)At each successive segment of the axon, the action potential is regenerated by depolarization and the movement of ions across the axon's membrane.
B)Neurotransmitters are constantly being released to generate the action potential at each successive segment of the axon.
C)Action potentials are conducted down the axon just as electricity is conducted through a wire.
D)Ion channels open and close at the nodes of Ranvier, allowing neurotransmitters to enter into the axon and regenerate an action potential at each node.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Action potentials are propagated down an axon by depolarization and the movement of ions across the axon's membrane. At each successive segment of the axon, the action potential is regenerated by the opening of voltage-gated ion channels in response to the depolarization of the membrane potential. This allows for the influx of sodium ions, which leads to further depolarization and the propagation of the action potential down the axon. This process continues along the length of the axon until it reaches the end, where neurotransmitters are released to communicate with other cells. Therefore, Choice A is the best answer.

What Keeps an Action Potential Continuing Down an Axon