Activity on a neuron that when it returns prohibits future activity on that neuron

Activity on a neuron that when it returns prohibits future activity on that neuron

• A. Positive feedback
• B. Negative feedback
• C. Sub-threshold
• D. Response

Answer: (B)

Negative feedback is the self-limiting control that prevents ongoing or immediate reactivation after a response. In a neuron, after an action potential occurs, the cell’s channels and ion gradients shift so the membrane becomes briefly less excitable—Na+ channels inactivate and K+ channels stay open, pushing the membrane back toward resting potential. This refractory period makes another spike unlikely right away, which is exactly the idea of activity that returns and then prohibits future activity on that neuron. Positive feedback would have amplified firing, sub-threshold describes not reaching the trigger for an action potential, and a generic response doesn’t capture the self-limiting, inhibitory effect.

Negative feedback is the self-limiting control that prevents ongoing or immediate reactivation after a response. In a neuron, after an action potential occurs, the cell’s channels and ion gradients shift so the membrane becomes briefly less excitable—Na+ channels inactivate and K+ channels stay open, pushing the membrane back toward resting potential. This refractory period makes another spike unlikely right away, which is exactly the idea of activity that returns and then prohibits future activity on that neuron. Positive feedback would have amplified firing, sub-threshold describes not reaching the trigger for an action potential, and a generic response doesn’t capture the self-limiting, inhibitory effect.