[Campbell Biology P.1156] The diagram indicates that both sensory information and motor comma... | Practice Question

The diagram indicates that both sensory information and motor commands are "encoded as action potentials" and sent along specific paths axons . What does this imply about the nature of neural communication?

  • A: All neural signals are processed by chemical neurotransmitters directly at the processing center.
  • B: The nervous system primarily uses a universal electrical signal (action potential) for long-distance communication.
  • C: Sensory and motor pathways use different encoding mechanisms, despite both being called "action potentials."
  • D: The speed of information transmission in the nervous system depends solely on the strength of the initial stimulus.

Explanation

The statement that both sensory information and motor commands are 'encoded as action potentials' and sent along 'axons' highlights that action potentials serve as the primary, standardized electrical signal for long-distance communication throughout the nervous system, regardless of the specific information being conveyed sensory input or motor output .