A neuron normally fires when
A) its sodium-potassium pumps are stimulated.
B) there is an EPSP.
C) there is an IPSP.
D) the degree of depolarization on the axon adjacent to the hillock exceeds the threshold of activation.
E) its buttons are stimulated.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Neurons fire an action potential when the depolarization on the axon adjacent to the hillock exceeds the threshold of activation, which is around -55mV. This causes voltage-gated sodium channels to open, leading to depolarization and the propagation of an action potential down the axon. The other options listed (A, B, C, and E) are all involved in the process of synaptic transmission but do not directly lead to firing an action potential.

A Neuron Normally Fires When