In NMES, the action potential travels in which directions?

In NMES, the action potential travels in which directions?

• A. In two directions (dromic and antidromic)
• B. From CNS to periphery
• C. In a circular path around the muscle
• D. Only toward the CNS

Answer: (A)

When NMES stimulates a nerve, the impulse that’s triggered can travel in both directions along the axon. One path goes toward the muscle (dromic or orthodromic), delivering the signal to the motor endplates and producing a contraction. The other path goes toward the central nervous system (antidromic). That antidromic impulse travels back up the nerve toward the CNS and typically does not cause muscle contraction. There isn’t a circular routing of the signal around the muscle, and the stimulation isn’t limited to a single CNS-to-periphery direction. So the bidirectional conduction—toward the muscle and toward the CNS—is the correct description.

When NMES stimulates a nerve, the impulse that’s triggered can travel in both directions along the axon. One path goes toward the muscle (dromic or orthodromic), delivering the signal to the motor endplates and producing a contraction. The other path goes toward the central nervous system (antidromic). That antidromic impulse travels back up the nerve toward the CNS and typically does not cause muscle contraction. There isn’t a circular routing of the signal around the muscle, and the stimulation isn’t limited to a single CNS-to-periphery direction. So the bidirectional conduction—toward the muscle and toward the CNS—is the correct description.