Interpret the Data: Frequency of Action Potentials Action potential +50 Falling

Question

Interpret the Data: Frequency of Action Potentials Action potential +50 Falling phase Rising phase Threshold (-55) -50 Resting potential 70 Depolarization Undershoot 100 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Time (msec) G Pearson Education, Inc. Part A Anerve impulse travels from the axon hillock to the synaptic terminals by propagating a series of action potentials along the axon. The speed of conduction increases with the diameter of the axon and, in many vertebrate axons, with myelination. Action potentials in axons insulated by myelination appear to jump from one node of Ranvier to the next, a process called saltatory conduction. If an action potential lasts from the beginning of the rising phase to the point of maximal undershoot, what is the maximum frequency at which a neuron could fire action potentials? Assume that the neuron can fire only one action potential at a time and that the refractory period following the action potential is equal in length to the action potential. O 0.0023 events per second (Hz) O 0.0046 events per second (Hz O 220 events per second (Hz) O 430 events per second (Hz) Submit My Answers Give Up Provide Feedback Continue

Explanation / Answer

The time from the rising phase to the point of maximal undershoot = ~(4.8-2.5) = 2.3 ms

It requires the same amount fo time for refractoring. So, total time taken = 2×2.3ms = 4.6ms

The frequency will be f = 1/4.6ms = 1000/4.6 Hz = ~217.39 Hz ~ 220Hz = 220 events per second (Hz)

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