The brain knows how strong a stimulus is because the brain interprets ____.
A) the neurotransmitter levels the stimulus is producing
B) variations in the frequency of action potentials
C) the size variation in the action potential being propagated
D) the number of ion channels in the plasma membrane of the sensory neuron
E) the extent to which voltage gated ion channels open and close

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The brain interprets the strength of a stimulus based on variations in the frequency of action potentials. A stronger stimulus will cause neurons to fire action potentials more rapidly, which the brain interprets as a stronger signal. The size of an action potential does not vary; it is an all-or-nothing response.

The Brain Knows How Strong a Stimulus Is Because the Brain