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During action potential propagation in an unmyelinated axon, why doesn't the action potential suddenly "double back" and start propagating in the opposite direction?

1 Answer

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Answer:

The region fo the neuron is in the refractory period as the sodium channels are inactivated.

Step-by-step explanation:

  • A propagating action potential always leaves a trail of refractory membrane in its wake.
  • The trailing membrane takes some time to recover from the action potential it just experienced.
  • This is largely because its voltage-gated sodium channels are inactivated.
  • By the time this membrane segment is ready to (re)generate another action potential, the first propagating action potential is long gone.
User Kunal Balani
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