Which of the following correct describes the refractory period?
A)It promotes the spread of action potentials forward and backward.
B)It refers to the time period during which a portion of the membrane that has just undergone an action potential cannot undergo another action potential in response to normal triggering events because the channels opened during the action potential have not been restored to their "closed but capable of opening" conformation.
C) It places a lower limit on the frequency with which a neuron cannot conduct action potentials
D) It refers to the repolarizing period.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The refractory period refers to the time after an action potential when a portion of the membrane cannot undergo another action potential in response to normal triggering events because the channels opened during the previous action potential have not been restored to their "closed but capable of opening" conformation. This period places a limit on the frequency with which a neuron can conduct action potentials, and promotes the transmission of impulses in one direction.

Which of the Following Correct Describes the Refractory Period