A stimulus that results in a local potential that does not reach threshold is called a
A) threshold stimulus.
B) maximal stimulus.
C) subthreshold stimulus.
D) supramaximal stimulus.
E) local stimulus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A subthreshold stimulus can result in a local potential, but it is not strong enough to reach the threshold necessary to trigger an action potential. A threshold stimulus is the minimum strength necessary to trigger an action potential, while a maximal stimulus is the strongest stimulus that can trigger an action potential. A supramaximal stimulus is one that is stronger than the maximal stimulus but does not have a greater effect on the size or duration of the action potential. A local stimulus refers to any stimulus that affects a small, localized area, but it does not specify whether the stimulus reaches threshold or not.

A Stimulus That Results in a Local Potential That Does