Q: Which equation best represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential of an ion?

$$E = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \frac{[\mathrm{ion}]_{\text{outside}}}{[\mathrm{ion}]_{\text{inside}}} \right)$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

To control and communicate information throughout the body

Question 2

A patient suffers damage to the Schwann cells in their peripheral nervous system. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Myelination of axons in the PNS

Question 3

Which of the following glial cells is responsible for forming the myelin sheath in the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 4

If a neuron’s membrane potential changes from $$-70\ \mathrm{mV} to$$ $$-55\ \mathrm{mV}$$, what is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

An action potential will be triggered

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why myelination increases the speed of nerve transmission?

Accepted Answer

It allows action potentials to jump between nodes of Ranvier (saltatory conduction)

Question 6

A voltage-gated Na$$^+$$ channel opens in a neuron. What is the immediate effect on membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

Depolarization

Question 7

Which segment of a neuron is primarily responsible for receiving stimuli?

Accepted Answer

Dendrites and cell body

Question 8

During the absolute refractory period, which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated Na$$^+$$ channels are inactivated and no new action potential can be generated

Question 9

Which of the following correctly matches the glial cell with its function?

Accepted Answer

Ependymal cells – produce cerebrospinal fluid

Question 10

Which equation best represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential of an ion?

Accepted Answer

$$E = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \frac{[\mathrm{ion}]_{	ext{outside}}}{[\mathrm{ion}]_{	ext{inside}}} ight)$$

Question 11

A patient is experiencing muscle weakness due to impaired neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction. Which ion channel malfunction is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated Ca$$^{2+}$$ channels in the axon terminal

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of the Na$$^+/K$^+$$ pump in maintaining resting membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

It actively transports 3 Na$$^+$$ out and 2 K$$^+$$ into the cell, maintaining a negative charge inside

Question 13

Which of the following would most likely cause hyperpolarization of a neuron?

Accepted Answer

Opening of chemically-gated K$$^+$$ channels

Question 14

Which of the following is a function of astrocytes in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Regulating the exchange of nutrients and waste between blood vessels and neurons

Question 15

Which of the following best describes graded potentials?

Accepted Answer

They vary in magnitude depending on the strength of the stimulus

Question 16

A neuron receives multiple excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) at the same time. What is the result?

Accepted Answer

The membrane potential moves closer to threshold for action potential generation

Question 17

Which of the following is true about the transmission segment of a neuron?

Accepted Answer

It is where neurotransmitters are released to communicate with other cells

Question 18

Which of the following would most likely occur if the Na$$^+/K$^+$$ pump stopped functioning in a neuron?

Accepted Answer

The resting membrane potential would dissipate, and the neuron could not fire action potentials

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events at the synaptic terminal during neurotransmitter release?

Accepted Answer

Action potential arrives, voltage-gated Ca$$^{2+}$$ channels open, Ca$$^{2+}$$ enters, neurotransmitters are released

Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue: Study Notes

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