[Campbell Biology P.1163] Based on Figure 50.11 and the accompanying text, which statement ac... | Practice Question

Based on Figure 50.11 and the accompanying text, which statement accurately describes the effect of hair cell bending on neural activity?

  • A: No bending of hairs leads to a high frequency of action potentials.
  • B: Bending the hairs in one direction causes depolarization and an increased frequency of action potentials.
  • C: Bending the hairs in the other direction leads to increased neurotransmitter release.
  • D: The receptor potential directly causes action potentials without neurotransmitter involvement.

Explanation

As stated in the text and shown in Figure 50.11 b , bending the hairs in one direction depolarizes the hair cells, leading to increased neurotransmitter release and a higher frequency of action potentials in the afferent neuron. Conversely, bending in the other direction hyperpolarizes the cells, reducing neurotransmitter release and action potential frequency.