Why are action potentials usually conducted in one direction?
A) Ions can flow along the axon in only one direction.
B) The brief refractory period prevents reopening of voltage-gated Na+ channels.
C) The axon hillock has a higher membrane potential than the terminals of the axon.
D) Voltage-gated channels for both Na+ and K+ open in only one direction

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The brief refractory period after an action potential ensures that the voltage-gated Na+ channels cannot immediately reopen, preventing the action potential from traveling backward and ensuring its unidirectional flow along the axon.

Why Are Action Potentials Usually Conducted in One Direction