Imagine a neuron that has a thousand axonal terminals synapsing on it. The majority of these axonal knobs are shown to be "firing." However, the neuron in question does not fire an action potential. What could be a possible explanation as to why this could be?

Answered: Imagine a neuron that has a thousand…

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)

11th Edition

ISBN:9780134580999

Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...

See similar textbooks

Related questions

Question

Imagine a neuron that has a thousand axonal terminals synapsing on it. The majority of these axonal knobs are shown to be "firing." However, the neuron in question does not fire an action potential. What could be a possible explanation as to why this could be?

Expert Solution

Step 1

The neurons can be described as the fundamental working unit of the brain, a specialized cell dedicated to transmitting information to other nerve cells, muscle, or gland cells. Most neurons have a cell body, an axon, and dendrites.

A synapse is a name given to the small gap at the end of a neuron that allows a signal to pass from one neuron to the next. Synapses are found where nerve cells connect with other nerve cells. Synapses are pivotal in the brain's functions.