Within the nervous system,coding for the strength of a stimulus is accomplished through:
A) changes in the magnitude of the action potential.
B) changes in the length or duration of the action potential.
C) the frequency of nerve impulses.
D) an increase in the number of opening sodium channels.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The frequency of nerve impulses is the primary method through which coding for the strength of a stimulus is accomplished in the nervous system. When a stimulus is stronger, it will result in an increased frequency of action potentials being sent down the neuron. This increased frequency signals to the brain that the stimulus is stronger. Changes in the magnitude or length of the action potential may impact the overall strength of the impulse, but they do not provide an effective means for coding the strength of a stimulus. An increase in the number of opening sodium channels would likely increase the overall strength of the impulse, but it would not provide a mechanism for coding stimulus strength.

Within the Nervous System,coding for the Strength of a Stimulus