During action potential propagation in an unmyelinated axon, why doesn't the action potential suddenly "double back" and start propagating in the opposite direction?

Question

Biology

Freddy Richard

27 July, 21:19

During action potential propagation in an unmyelinated axon, why doesn't the action potential suddenly "double back" and start propagating in the opposite direction?

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Answers (1)

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Freddy Pitts · Answer 1

The region fo the neuron is in the refractory period as the sodium channels are inactivated.

Explanation:

A propagating action potential always leaves a trail of refractory membrane in its wake. The trailing membrane takes some time to recover from the action potential it just experienced. This is largely because its voltage-gated sodium channels are inactivated. By the time this membrane segment is ready to (re) generate another action potential, the first propagating action potential is long gone.