Why is it important for action potentials to only be conducted in one direction? why is it important for action potentials to only be conducted in one direction? a. the brief refractory period prevents reopening of voltage-gated na+ channels. b. if the signal were transmitted in both directions, it would not be as efficient at transmitting information to the brain. c. voltage-gated channels for both na+ and k+ open in only one direction. d. the axon hillock has a higher membrane potential than the terminals of the axon?