Determine whether each statement is true or false: Action potentials originate in the axon hillock and travel down the axon to the synaptic boutons, which are the axon terminals.

Understand the Problem

The question is asking to evaluate the truthfulness of the statement regarding the origin and pathway of action potentials in the nervous system. Specifically, it inquires whether action potentials indeed start at the axon hillock and travel to the synaptic boutons, which are hypothesized to be the terminals of the axon.

More Information

Action potentials initiate at the axon hillock due to the presence of a high concentration of voltage-gated sodium channels, making it the most likely point of origination. From there, the action potential travels along the axon to the synaptic boutons or terminals, where neurotransmitters are released.

Sources

• [PDF] The Action Potential - cuyamaca.edu
• The synapse (article) | Human biology - Khan Academy - khanacademy.org