Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main functional difference between chemical and electrical synapses?

Accepted Answer

Chemical synapses convert electrical signals to chemical signals for transmission, ensuring unidirectional communication, while electrical synapses allow rapid, bidirectional flow of ions through gap junctions.

Question 2

During synaptic transmission at a chemical synapse, which step is directly responsible for the release of neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft?

Accepted Answer

Influx of Ca$$^{2+}$$ into the presynaptic terminal, triggering exocytosis of synaptic vesicles

Question 3

A patient is given a drug that blocks the reuptake of neurotransmitters at the synaptic cleft. What is the most likely effect on synaptic transmission?

Accepted Answer

The neurotransmitter will remain in the synaptic cleft longer, prolonging its effect on the postsynaptic neuron.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why a single excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) is usually insufficient to trigger an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron?

Accepted Answer

The amplitude of a single EPSP is too small to reach the threshold for an action potential.

Question 5

Which neurotransmitter is most likely to be inhibitory in the adult central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

Question 6

A neuron receives simultaneous EPSPs from several presynaptic neurons at different locations on its membrane. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Spatial summation

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events for neurotransmitter action at a G protein–linked receptor?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitter binds receptor → G protein activated → Second messenger produced → Ion channel opens/closes

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the function of endorphins in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They act as natural opiates, reducing pain perception.

Question 9

A patient with a stroke is found to have excessive nitric oxide (NO) production in the brain. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of neuronal damage

Question 10

Which of the following neural circuit types is most likely involved in rhythmic activities such as breathing or walking?

Accepted Answer

Reverberating circuit

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why caffeine acts as a stimulant in the brain?

Accepted Answer

It blocks adenosine receptors, reducing inhibitory signaling.

Question 12

Which of the following is true regarding the effect of acetylcholine (ACh) in different tissues?

Accepted Answer

ACh can be excitatory or inhibitory depending on the receptor type present in the tissue.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of synaptic potentiation?

Accepted Answer

Repeated use of a synapse increases Ca$$^{2+}$$ entry, enhancing neurotransmitter release and postsynaptic response.

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-life example of parallel processing in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

A smell triggering both the memory of a place and an emotional response at the same time.

Question 15

Which of the following neurotransmitters is classified as a biogenic amine and is derived from the amino acid tryptophan?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Question 16

Which postsynaptic potential is associated with the opening of chemically gated Cl$$^- or K$^+$$ channels, resulting in hyperpolarization?

Accepted Answer

Inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of a converging neural circuit?

Accepted Answer

Many inputs, one output; integrates information from multiple sources.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about ligand-gated ion channels?

Accepted Answer

They open when a specific chemical (ligand) binds to the receptor, allowing ions to flow across the membrane.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Allowing groups of neurons to process and integrate information, contributing to complex behaviors.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the effect of glutamate in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It is usually excitatory and promotes depolarization.

Fundamentals of the Nervous System & Nervous Tissue: Synapses, Neurotransmitters, and Neural Integration

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