Question 1

Which region of the neuron is primarily responsible for the reception of incoming signals from other neurons?

Accepted Answer

Dendrites

Question 2

A patient presents with a demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system. Which glial cell type is most likely impaired?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 3

The Nernst equation is used to calculate the equilibrium potential for a specific ion. Which of the following is the correct form of the Nernst equation for a monovalent cation at body temperature?

Accepted Answer

$$E_{ion} = 61 \log \left( \frac{[ion]_{out}}{[ion]_{in}} \right)$$

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why action potentials do not decay as they travel along an axon?

Accepted Answer

They are regenerated at each node by voltage-gated ion channels.

Question 5

A neuron is at rest with a membrane potential of $$-70\ \mathrm{mV}. $$Which of the following changes would most likely result in depolarization?

Accepted Answer

Opening of ligand-gated Na$$^+$$ channels

Question 6

Which of the following statements about graded potentials is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They decay with distance from the site of stimulation.

Question 7

During the absolute refractory period of an action potential, which of the following is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

No stimulus, regardless of strength, can generate another action potential.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of astrocytes in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They provide metabolic support and regulate extracellular K$$^+.$$

Question 9

A neuron receives simultaneous excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs and IPSPs). What is the result at the axon hillock?

Accepted Answer

The summation of EPSPs and IPSPs determines if threshold is reached.

Question 10

Which of the following factors would increase the speed of action potential propagation along an axon?

Accepted Answer

Myelination of the axon

Question 11

A researcher increases the extracellular concentration of K$$^+$$ around a neuron. According to the Nernst equation, what effect will this have on the K$$^+$$ equilibrium potential ($$E_K$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$E_K$$ becomes less negative

Question 12

Which of the following best describes saltatory conduction?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials jump from one node of Ranvier to the next.

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of microglia in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis of pathogens and debris

Question 14

A neuron is exposed to a toxin that blocks voltage-gated Na$$^+$$ channels. What is the most likely effect on neuronal signaling?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials cannot be generated.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why the resting membrane potential of a neuron is close to the K$$^+$$ equilibrium potential?

Accepted Answer

There are more open K$$^+$$ leak channels than Na$$^+$$ leak channels.

Question 16

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the Na$$^+/K$^+$$ ATPase pump?

Accepted Answer

It moves 3 Na$$^+$$ out of the cell and 2 K$$^+ in$$, using ATP.

Question 17

A graded potential in a sensory neuron is also called a:

Accepted Answer

Receptor (generator) potential

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of Schwann cells?

Accepted Answer

Myelinate axons in the peripheral nervous system

Question 19

A neuron receives a subthreshold stimulus. What is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

A graded potential is generated, but no action potential occurs.

Question 20

Which of the following is a direct result of the opening of voltage-gated K$$^+$$ channels during an action potential?

Accepted Answer

Repolarization of the membrane

Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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