How can action potentials relay information about the intensity of a stimulus, such as distinguishing between a loud and soft sound?
A) due to summation of several action potentials
B) due to the frequency of action potentials
C) due to electrotonic conduction
D) due to the magnitude of action potentials
E) due to the decremental properties of graded potentials

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The intensity of a stimulus is encoded by the frequency of action potentials. A louder sound, for example, would trigger a higher frequency of action potentials compared to a softer sound. This is known as frequency coding.

How Can Action Potentials Relay Information About the Intensity of a Stimulus