Question

In order to signal a stronger stimulus, action potentials become

A) higher in amplitude.
B) more frequent.
C) longer lasting.
D) A and B
E) A and C

Answer 1

Action potentials indicate a stronger stimulus by becoming more frequent, not by increasing in amplitude or lasting longer, as they operate on an all-or-none principle.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to signal a stronger stimulus, action potentials become more frequent. This is known as frequency coding. Action potentials operate on an all or none principle, meaning that once the threshold is reached, they will always peak at the same voltage, around +30 mV, independent of the strength of the stimulus. Amplitude does not increase with stimulus strength; instead, a stronger stimulus triggers action potentials at a higher rate. Longer stimuli duration does not lead to stronger action potentials but may increase the number of action potentials.