Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System

Change in Membrane Potential

Anatomy & Physiology

11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System

Change in Membrane Potential

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Multiple Choice

The CNS can discriminate between strong and weak stimuli as strong stimuli __________.

hyperpolarize the neuron

increase the amplitude of action potentials

increase the frequency of action potentials

shift threshold

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of the central nervous system (CNS) in processing stimuli. The CNS interprets the intensity of stimuli based on the frequency of action potentials generated.

Recall that action potentials are all-or-none events, meaning their amplitude remains constant regardless of stimulus strength. Therefore, amplitude is not a factor in discriminating stimulus strength.

Consider the concept of frequency coding. Strong stimuli result in a higher frequency of action potentials, allowing the CNS to perceive them as more intense.

Eliminate options that do not align with the physiological mechanism of action potential generation. Hyperpolarization of the neuron would decrease the likelihood of action potential generation, and shifting the threshold would alter the conditions needed for an action potential to occur, but not directly relate to stimulus strength.

Conclude that the CNS discriminates between strong and weak stimuli by the frequency of action potentials, as this is the mechanism that conveys the intensity of the stimulus to the CNS.