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Questions and Answers
What is the refractory period?
What is the refractory period?
- The time it takes for a nerve impulse to travel across an axon.
- The time between two action potentials when an axon cannot respond. (correct)
- The phase of action potential generation.
- The period during which neurotransmitters are released.
Name 2 phases of the refractory period.
Name 2 phases of the refractory period.
Absolute refractory period, Relative refractory period
What is the absolute refractory period?
What is the absolute refractory period?
The time after an action potential onset when no amount of stimulus can initiate a second action potential.
What is the relative refractory period?
What is the relative refractory period?
What is continuous conduction?
What is continuous conduction?
Describe saltatory conduction.
Describe saltatory conduction.
Where do action potentials occur in neurons?
Where do action potentials occur in neurons?
What are neuronal pools?
What are neuronal pools?
Name 4 types of neuronal pools.
Name 4 types of neuronal pools.
What is a converging circuit?
What is a converging circuit?
Describe a diverging circuit.
Describe a diverging circuit.
What is a reverberating circuit?
What is a reverberating circuit?
What does a parallel-after-discharge circuit do?
What does a parallel-after-discharge circuit do?
Study Notes
Refractory Period
- Refers to the brief interval post-action potential during which an axon cannot generate another action potential.
- Allows for the recovery of the excitable plasma membrane, preparing it for subsequent stimulation.
Phases of Refractory Period
- Absolute refractory period: No stimulus can trigger a second action potential, regardless of intensity.
- Relative refractory period: Occurs after the absolute phase; a stronger stimulus can initiate another action potential.
Action Potential Types
- Continuous Conduction: Characteristic of unmyelinated axons, where action potential propagates along the entire membrane.
- Saltatory Conduction: Faster impulse transmission in myelinated axons, where the action potential "jumps" between nodes of Ranvier, bypassing myelin sections.
Neurofibril Node
- Action potentials are generated exclusively at neurofibril nodes, which facilitate rapid conduction in myelinated fibers.
Myelinated Regions
- Myelinated sections of axons enhance signal transmission speed through the diffusion of ions along the axoplasm.
Neuronal Pools
- Networks of neurons arranged in specific circuits, responsible for processing and distributing incoming sensory information.
- Four recognized types of neuronal pools enhance functional flexibility:
Types of Neuronal Pools
- Converging Circuit: Inputs converge onto a single postsynaptic neuron, integrating multiple signals.
- Diverging Circuit: One presynaptic neuron spreads information to several postsynaptic neurons, broadening the signal's reach.
- Reverberating Circuit: Employs feedback loops for prolonged stimulation, sustaining activity over time.
- Parallel-after-discharge Circuit: Transmits input simultaneously through various pathways to a common postsynaptic neuron, allowing for complex processing.
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Test your understanding of the refractory period with these flashcards focused on Chapter 12. This quiz covers essential definitions and the phases of the refractory period, helping you prepare for exams in neuroscience and biology. Assess your knowledge and reinforce learning effectively.
