I had odd results in an experiment done where we stimulated the alpha
motor neuron of a classmate at a highr voltage than the 1-a fiber was
stimulated and the action potential propagated both towards the muscle
(causing contraction) and towards the synapse of the spinal cord.  I
was wondering what these results mean and how they explain the odd
results observed?

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Request for Question Clarification by andrewxmp-ga on 26 Apr 2004 20:34 PDT

I'd like to answer any questions you ahve about this experiment, but I
have a few issues with your results.  First, what makes you believe
that the actional potential propogated towards the spinal cord as well
as the muscle?  The truth is, that action potentials can only
propagate in one direction due to the fact that ion channels in the
axon have a small delay period that prevents them from firing too
quickly in sucession.  This could theoretically happen if you
stimulated in the middle of the axon somehow, but I think it would be
unlikely.  So, could you please explain the details of this experiment
more thoroughly (where and how exactly you were doing this
stimulation, how you reached the above conclusions, etc. Also, what
was this "higher voltage"?)  I could then likely answer any questions
you have regarding the results.  Thanks

-Andrew