During the absolute refractory period, the cell

A) generates many local potentials.
B) is insensitive to further stimulation.
C) responds to even weak stimuli.
D) reverses the direction of the action potential.
E) is very sensitive.

During the absolute refractory period, a neuron is incapable of initiating another action potential, regardless of the strength of the stimulus. This is because the sodium channels, which are necessary for the initiation of an action potential, are inactivated and cannot be reopened until the membrane potential returns to near its resting level.