Question

With regard to the process of neural transmission, a refractory period refers to a time interval in which:

a. a brief electrical charge travels down an axon.

b. an individual reflexively withdraws from a pain stimulus.

c. chemical messengers go across the synaptic gaps between neurons.

d. a neuron recharges before it can fire again.

Answer 1

Answer;

d. a neuron recharges before it can fire again.

Explanation;

• Refractory periods are a short phase in time following an action potential where another action potential cannot be generated.
• It is the period immediately following the transmission of an impulse in nerve or muscle, in which a neuron or muscle cell regains its ability to transmit another impulse.
• There are two types of refractory period, that is the absolute refractory period and the relative refractory period. Absolute refractory period is the first part of a refractory period during which, the neuron will not fire again no matter how great the stimulation and this only lasts for a short time.
• Relative refractory period occurs when a stronger than usual stimulus is required to trigger the action potential before the neuron returns to resting state.