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Which of the following statements about the activity of neurons is true?

a) A weak message can be used to stimulate a sensory neuron, but a strong message is needed to stimulate a motor neuron.

b) A strong message will cause the release of neurotransmitters from the neuron, while a weak message will cause the release of hormones from the neuron.

c) A weak message can be used to stimulate a myelinated neuron, but a strong message is needed to stimulate a demyelinated neuron.

d) A strong message received by a neuron will cause the neuron to fire repeatedly, in a faster fashion.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Option d) A strong message received by a neuron will cause the neuron to fire repeatedly, in a faster fashion, is true about the activity of neurons. This is because action potentials operate on the all-or-none principle, and a stronger stimulus can trigger a higher frequency of action potentials, but not stronger individual action potentials.

Step-by-step explanation:

The activity of neurons is a foundational concept in understanding how the nervous system functions. When discussing the options provided, option d) A strong message received by a neuron will cause the neuron to fire repeatedly, in a faster fashion, is indicative of how neurons typically respond. Neuronal communication is an electrochemical process that relies on the all-or-none principle when firing an action potential.

This means that regardless of whether the incoming signal is strong or weak, as long as it reaches the threshold, the neuron will fire an action potential. A stronger signal does not make an individual action potential stronger, but it can lead to a higher frequency of action potentials. This aligns with the understanding that an action potential is all-or-none. Action potentials are the means by which signals are transmitted along the axon to the synapse, where neurotransmitters are released to carry the signal to the next neuron.

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