Which of the following statements regarding action potentials generated in a neuronal membrane is FALSE?
A) Action potentials travel decrementally down the membrane.
B) An action potential generates a new action potential in an adjacent area of membrane.
C) An action potential generates a local current that depolarizes adjacent membrane to threshold potential.
D) Action potentials are usually initiated at the initial segment of a neuron.
E) An action potential generated by a threshold stimulus is the same size as one generated by a supra-threshold stimulus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Action potentials do not travel decrementally down the membrane. In fact, they propagate actively by opening voltage-gated ion channels and depolarizing adjacent membrane to threshold potential, generating a new action potential in an adjacent area of membrane. The initial segment of a neuron is also a common site of action potential initiation. However, the size of an action potential can vary depending on the strength of the stimulus, with supra-threshold stimuli producing larger action potentials.

Which of the Following Statements Regarding Action Potentials Generated in a Neuronal