[Campbell Biology P.1158] Which statement accurately distinguishes between a sensory neuron a... | Practice Question
Which statement accurately distinguishes between a sensory neuron and a non-neuronal sensory receptor in terms of how they generate or convey action potentials to the central nervous system CNS ?
A: A sensory neuron directly generates action potentials that travel to the CNS, while a non-neuronal sensory receptor conveys information via a chemical synapse to an afferent neuron, which then generates action potentials.
B: Both sensory neurons and non-neuronal sensory receptors directly generate action potentials that travel to the CNS.
C: A non-neuronal sensory receptor directly generates action potentials, while a sensory neuron relies on chemical synapses to convey information to the CNS.
D: Neither sensory neurons nor non-neuronal sensory receptors generate action potentials; they only modify membrane potential, which is then interpreted by the CNS.
Explanation
The text states that a 'sensory receptor that is also a neuron generates action potentials that travel along an axon extending into the CNS'. In contrast, 'a non-neuronal sensory receptor does not itself generate action potentials, but instead conveys information to an afferent neuron via a chemical synapse', which then produces action potentials.