The strength of contraction of a muscle can be increased by
A) increasing the intensity of the action potential, only.
B) increasing the firing rate of an individual motor neuron, only.
C) recruiting additional motor neurons, only.
D) prolonging the action potential, only.
E) increasing the firing rate of an individual motor neuron and recruiting additional motor neurons.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increasing the firing rate of an individual motor neuron and recruiting additional motor neurons both contribute to increasing the strength of contraction of a muscle. Recruitment of additional motor neurons allows more muscle fibers to be activated, leading to stronger contraction. Increasing the firing rate of individual motor neurons allows each muscle fiber to be activated more frequently, leading to stronger and sustained contraction.

The Strength of Contraction of a Muscle Can Be Increased