An Action Potential Can Start in the Middle of an Axon

Question

An action potential can start in the middle of an axon and proceed in both opposite directions when
A) the neuron is an inhibitory neuron and operating normally.
B) only the middle section of the axon has been artificially stimulated by an electrode.
C) the dendritic region fires an action potential.
D) it is in its typical refractory state.
E) its membrane potential is above the threshold.

Accepted Answer

If only the middle section of the axon has been artificially stimulated by an electrode, then an action potential can start in the middle of the axon and proceed in both opposite directions. This is known as antidromic conduction. In normal neuronal firing, action potentials travel in only one direction, from the dendritic region towards the axon terminals. The other options are not relevant to the scenario described.