Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the propagation of depolarization down an axon?
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11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System
Propagation of Action Potentials
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Which of the following does not affect the speed of an action potential along an axon?
A
Neurotransmitter type
B
Myelination
C
Temperature
D
Axon diameter
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that an action potential is an electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron.
Recognize that the speed of an action potential can be influenced by several factors related to the physical and chemical properties of the axon.
Consider the role of myelination: Myelin sheaths insulate axons and increase the speed of action potential conduction through a process called saltatory conduction.
Evaluate the effect of temperature: Higher temperatures generally increase the speed of action potential propagation by enhancing the rate of ion channel kinetics.
Analyze the impact of axon diameter: Larger axon diameters reduce internal resistance to the flow of ions, thereby increasing the speed of action potential conduction. Note that neurotransmitter type does not directly affect the speed of an action potential along an axon, as neurotransmitters are involved in synaptic transmission rather than axonal conduction.
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