Which of the following statements best describes the propagation of action potentials?
A) The action potential is reproduced down the length of the axon.
B) One action potential is formed at the axon hillock,and this same signal travels down the length of the axon.
C) When the axon hillock reaches threshold,action potentials are simultaneously formed down the length of the axon.
D) One action potential is formed at the axon hillock,triggering the movement of chemical messengers that travel the length of the axon.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Action potentials are propagated down the length of the axon through a series of opening and closing voltage-gated ion channels. As the depolarizing phase of the action potential reaches a new section of the axon, it triggers the opening of voltage-gated sodium channels there, allowing sodium ions to flow into the cell and depolarize that region. This depolarization triggers the opening of sodium channels in the next section of the axon, and so on, allowing the action potential to be reproduced down the entire length of the axon.

Which of the Following Statements Best Describes the Propagation of Action