Question

Interneurons respond to chemical (neurotransmitter) stimulation with a change in membrane potential that is:

1) all or nothing
2) graded with the stimulus intensity
3) always small and subthreshold
4) always large and suprathreshold

Answer 1

Interneurons exhibit a change in membrane potential that is graded with the intensity of the stimulus. Graded potentials can summate to create an action potential if the threshold is reached.

Step-by-step explanation:

Interneurons respond to neurotransmitter stimulation with a change in membrane potential that is graded with the stimulus intensity. Unlike action potentials that operate on an all-or-none principle, graded potentials vary in size and are directly proportional to the strength of the stimulus.

If the cumulative changes from these potentials reach a certain threshold, an action potential will be triggered, carrying the signal down the neuron.