Multiple Choice
Where in the neuron is an action potential initially generated?
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45. Nervous System
Neurons and Action Potentials
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An inhibitory local potential causes which of the following?
A
Depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane
B
Generation of an action potential
C
Opening of voltage-gated sodium channels
D
Hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of local potentials: Local potentials are changes in the membrane potential of a neuron that occur in response to stimuli. They can be excitatory or inhibitory, depending on whether they make the membrane potential more or less likely to reach the threshold for generating an action potential.
Review the concept of hyperpolarization: Hyperpolarization occurs when the membrane potential becomes more negative than the resting potential. This makes it harder for the neuron to reach the threshold needed to generate an action potential.
Recognize the role of inhibitory local potentials: Inhibitory local potentials typically involve the opening of channels that allow negatively charged ions (e.g., Cl⁻) to enter the cell or positively charged ions (e.g., K⁺) to leave the cell. This results in hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane.
Compare hyperpolarization with depolarization: Depolarization makes the membrane potential less negative and closer to the threshold for an action potential, while hyperpolarization makes the membrane potential more negative and further from the threshold.
Conclude that an inhibitory local potential causes hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane, as it decreases the likelihood of an action potential being generated.
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