A neuron has been hyperpolarized. How will this affect the excitability of the neuron?

A) The neuron will have a membrane potential farther from the threshold.
B) The neuron will be more difficult to repolarize after firing.
C) The membrane potential of the neuron will be closer to the threshold.
D) The neuron's excitability will be significantly increased.


Ans: A
Feedback:
Hyperpolarization brings the membrane potential farther from the threshold and has an inhibitory effect, decreasing the likelihood that an action potential will be generated. Hypopolarization increases the excitability of the postsynaptic neuron by bringing the membrane potential closer to the threshold potential so that a smaller subsequent stimulus is needed to cause the neuron to fire. Neither situation has a direct bearing on the process of repolarization after the neuron fires.

Health & Biomechanics

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