Question

The relative refractory period of a neuron occurs mainly because:

The relative refractory period of a neuron occurs mainly because:

voltage-gated sodium channels inactivate

voltage-gated potassium channels inactivate

voltage-gated sodium channels open

voltage-gated potassium channels open

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

The correct answer is voltage-gated potassium channels open. During the relative refractory period, the voltage-gated potassium channels open, allowing potassium ions to flow out of the neuron, which hyperpolarizes the membrane. This makes it more difficult for the neuron to reach its threshold for firing an action potential. Therefore, the neuron is less responsive to incoming stimuli during this period.