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Chapter 3: Problem 2

Neurons convey information about the strength of stimuli by varying: A. the size of their action potentials. B. the velocity of their action potentials. C. the rate at which they fire action potentials. D. all of the above.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Neurons convey information about the strength of stimuli by varying the rate at which they fire action potentials.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the terms and concepts related to neurons and action potentials.

In order to answer the question, it's crucial to first understand what neurons, action potentials, and stimuli are. Neurons are the fundamental units of the nervous system, which transmit information along their axons through electrical impulses called action potentials. On the other hand, stimuli are the external factors that activate neurons and trigger action potentials. The strength of a stimulus refers to how intense the stimulus is, like the intensity of light or the loudness of a sound.
02

Evaluate the effect of the size of action potentials on conveying stimulus strength.

Option A suggests that neurons convey information about the strength of stimuli by varying the size of their action potentials. However, the size or amplitude of an action potential remains consistent for a given neuron and doesn't change with the strength of the stimulus. This consistency is known as the "all-or-none" principle – either an action potential occurs or it doesn't, with no variation in size. So, this option is incorrect.
03

Evaluate the effect of the velocity of action potentials on conveying stimulus strength.

Option B suggests that neurons convey information about the strength of stimuli by varying the velocity of their action potentials. While it's true that the velocity of action potentials may vary between different neurons, action potential velocity remains consistent within a single neuron and is not dependent on the strength of the stimulus. So, this option is also incorrect.
04

Evaluate the effect of the firing rate of action potentials on conveying stimulus strength.

Option C suggests that neurons convey information about the strength of stimuli by varying the rate at which they fire action potentials. This option is correct. Neurons convey the strength of stimuli by changing the frequency or firing rate of action potentials. A stronger stimulus will cause a neuron to fire action potentials more frequently, while a weaker stimulus will result in a lower firing rate.
05

Choose the correct answer based on the analysis.

Based on our evaluation, we can rule out options A and B, as they don't have an impact on conveying stimulus strength. Option D (all of the above) is also incorrect. The most accurate answer is C, which states that neurons convey information about the strength of stimuli by varying the rate at which they fire action potentials. Thus, the correct answer is: C. the rate at which they fire action potentials.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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