Question

current attempt in progress comparing a slightly painful stimulus to a very painful one, which of the following would be true regarding the action potentials based on the all - or - nothing principle? the very painful stimulus would have a much larger action potential. the answer cannot be determined from the information given. the very painful stimulus would actually have a smaller action potential. both stimuli would have the same magnitude of action potential.

Explanation:

The all - or - nothing principle states that once a stimulus reaches the threshold, an action potential of a fixed magnitude is generated. The strength of the stimulus does not affect the magnitude of the action potential within the neuron. Whether it is a slightly painful or a very painful stimulus, as long as the threshold is crossed, the action potential magnitude remains the same.

Answer:

D. Both stimuli would have the same magnitude of action potential.