Question

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

a. dendrites transmit more electrical signals to axons.
b. positively charged ions are pumped back outside a neural membrane.
c. a neuron fires more rapidly than usual.
d. an electrical charge travels from a sensory neuron to a motor neuron.
e. am individual reflexively withdraws from a pain stimulus.

Answer 1

The refractory period is a time after an impulse during which a neuron cannot fire again (option c) , necessary for resetting the neuron's ion channels and maintaining unidirectional signal propagation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The refractory period refers to a time interval following the transmission of an impulse in a neuron or muscle, during which the neuron or muscle cell cannot generate another action potential. This period is crucial as it allows voltage-sensitive ion channels to return to their resting configurations, during which the sodium-potassium ATPase continually moves sodium ions (Na+) back out of the cell and potassium ions (K+) back into the cell, thus repolarizing the membrane in preparation for potential future action potentials.



There are two types of refractory periods: the absolute refractory period, during which no new action potential can start, and the relative refractory period, during which a new action potential can only be initiated by a stronger-than-normal stimulus.