The absolute refractory period of an action potential
A) only ensures one-way travel down an axon.
B) only allows a neuron to ignore a second signal sent that closely follows the first.
C) only prevents summation of action potentials.
D) ensures one-way travel down an axon and allows a neuron to ignore a second signal sent that closely follows the first.
E) ensures one-way travel down an axon, allows a neuron to ignore a second signal sent that closely follows the first, and prevents summation of action potentials.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The absolute refractory period is a time during which a second action potential cannot be initiated, regardless of the strength of the stimulus. This period ensures one-way travel of the action potential down an axon, prevents the neuron from responding to a second stimulus that closely follows the first (thus ignoring it), and prevents the summation of action potentials, ensuring clear, distinct signaling.

The Absolute Refractory Period of an Action Potential