Above-threshold depolarizing currents are repeatedly applied at a rate of 1 per second to a single neuron. If we increase the frequency of stimulation to 10 per second, we can expect __________.
A) an increase in the number of action potentials per second
B) an increase in the magnitude of the action potential(s)
C) the number of action potentials per second to remain the same
D) none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the frequency of stimulation is increased to 10 per second, it is likely that the neuron will fire more frequently, resulting in an increase in the number of action potentials per second. This is due to the fact that depolarizing the neuron with a current above its threshold value will result in the firing of an action potential. Therefore, if the frequency of stimulation is increased, there will be more opportunities for the neuron to fire an action potential. The magnitude of the action potential is not directly affected by the frequency of stimulation.

Above-Threshold Depolarizing Currents Are Repeatedly Applied at a Rate of 1