For the following questions, refer to the graph of an action potential.

-Action potentials are normally carried in only one direction: from the axon hillock toward the axon terminals. If you experimentally depolarize the middle of the axon to threshold, using an electronic probe, then
A) no action potential will be initiated.
B) an action potential will be initiated and proceed only in the normal direction toward the axon terminal.
C) an action potential will be initiated and proceed only back toward the axon hillock.
D) two action potentials will be initiated, one going toward the axon terminal and one going back toward the hillock.
E) an action potential will be initiated, but it will die out before it reaches the axon terminal.

Question

For the following questions, refer to the graph of an action potential.
 
-Action potentials are normally carried in only one direction: from the axon hillock toward the axon terminals. If you experimentally depolarize the middle of the axon to threshold, using an electronic probe, then
A) no action potential will be initiated. 
B) an action potential will be initiated and proceed only in the normal direction toward the axon terminal. 
C) an action potential will be initiated and proceed only back toward the axon hillock. 
D) two action potentials will be initiated, one going toward the axon terminal and one going back toward the hillock. 
E) an action potential will be initiated, but it will die out before it reaches the axon terminal.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When an action potential is initiated at the middle of an axon, it propagates in both directions: toward the axon terminal and back toward the axon hillock, because the depolarization spreads along the membrane from the point of initiation without directional bias.

For the Following Questions, Refer to the Graph of an Action