A compound action potential is recorded using electrodes on a nerve. How does a nerve differ from an axon? Amplitude and duration of a compound action potential vary according to the stimulus intensity applied to the nerve. Given that there is no such variation in the action potential of a single axon, how can you explain this?
What will be an ideal response?
A nerve consists of many axons. A regular action potential is produced by a single axon, whereas a compound action potential is recorded by equipment from a nerve when multiple axons are producing action potentials, and the voltages add together. Increasing stimulus intensity increases the number of axons contributing to the compound action potential. This is because different axons have different threshold voltages, so increasing the voltage stimulates a larger number of axons.
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