Question

exam lesson name: the human body
exam number: 700946rr
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question 15 of 20 :
select the best answer for the question.

1. how does the brain primarily interpret the strength of a stimulus in the nervous system?

○ a. based on the size of the action potential
○ b. based on which chemicals are released at nerve junctions
○ c. based on the frequency of the action potential
○ d. based on how much potassium is in the nerve cell
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Explanation:

To determine how the brain interprets the strength of a stimulus, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Action potentials are all - or - none events, meaning their size (amplitude) doesn't change. So the brain can't interpret stimulus strength based on action potential size.
• Option B: The chemicals (neurotransmitters) released at nerve junctions are related to signal transmission between neurons, not the interpretation of stimulus strength by the brain.
• Option C: The frequency of action potentials (how often they occur) is how the brain interprets stimulus strength. A stronger stimulus will cause more frequent action potentials.
• Option D: The amount of potassium in a nerve cell is related to the resting membrane potential and action potential generation mechanisms, not directly to the interpretation of stimulus strength.

Answer:

C. Based on the frequency of the action potential