The brief period of time immediately after the initiation of an action potential,when it is absolutely impossible to initiate another one in the same neuron,is called the
A) threshold of excitation.
B) threshold of inhibition.
C) absolute refractory period.
D) IPSP.
E) relative refractory period.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The absolute refractory period is a brief time period after an action potential is initiated where it is impossible for the neuron to fire another action potential. This is due to the fact that the sodium channels responsible for the initiation of an action potential are inactivated during this time period. As a result, no amount of stimulation can initiate another action potential. This period typically lasts about 1-2 milliseconds.

The Brief Period of Time Immediately After the Initiation of an Action