Which is an accurate statement regarding the generation of an action potential?
A)If a neuron becomes hyperpolarized to the threshold level,an action potential is inevitable.
B)Small hyperpolarizations lead to small action potentials and large hyperpolarizations lead to large action potentials.
C)If a neuron becomes depolarized to the threshold level,an action potential is inevitable.
D)Small depolarizations lead to small action potentials and large depolarizations lead to large action potentials.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An action potential is generated when a neuron becomes depolarized to the threshold level. The threshold level is usually around -55mV. Hyperpolarization is when the neuron becomes more negative, while depolarization is when the neuron becomes more positive. Small or large hyperpolarizations do not result in action potentials - it is the depolarization to the threshold level that triggers an action potential. Similarly, the size of the action potential is not determined by the size of the depolarization, but rather by the all-or-nothing nature of the action potential.

Which Is an Accurate Statement Regarding the Generation of an Action