$$E = \frac{RT}{zF} \log \left( \frac{[\text{ion}]_{\text{out}}}{[\text{ion}]_{\text{in}}} \right)$$

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Dendrites

Question 2

The resting membrane potential of a typical neuron is closest to which value?

Accepted Answer

$$-70\ \mathrm{mV}$$

Question 3

Which equation is used to calculate the equilibrium potential for a specific ion across a membrane?

Accepted Answer

$$E = \frac{RT}{zF} \log \left( \frac{[	ext{ion}]_{	ext{out}}}{[	ext{ion}]_{	ext{in}}} ight)$$

Question 4

What is the primary function of oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Myelinating multiple axons

Question 5

Which type of ion channel opens in response to a change in membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated channel

Question 6

During the generation of an action potential, which event occurs first?

Accepted Answer

Depolarization due to sodium influx

Question 7

Which glial cell type is responsible for neurotransmitter uptake and release, as well as buffering extracellular K+?

Accepted Answer

Astrocytes

Question 8

If the extracellular concentration of potassium $$([K^+]_{out})$$ increases, what happens to the resting membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

It becomes less negative (depolarizes)

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the 'all-or-none' property of action potentials?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials only occur if the membrane potential reaches threshold

Question 10

What is the main factor that determines the speed of action potential propagation along an axon?

Accepted Answer

Diameter of the axon and degree of myelination

Question 11

Which process is responsible for maintaining the concentration gradients of Na+ and K+ across the neuronal membrane?

Accepted Answer

Na+/K+ ATPase pump

Question 12

A graded potential differs from an action potential in that:

Accepted Answer

It decays with distance

Question 13

Which of the following is TRUE regarding synaptic transmission at a chemical synapse?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane

Question 14

Which equation correctly represents Ohm's Law as applied to neuronal membranes?

Accepted Answer

$$I = V \div R$$

Question 15

What is the effect of myelination on the conduction of action potentials?

Accepted Answer

It speeds up conduction via saltatory conduction

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of the axon hillock?

Accepted Answer

It is the trigger zone for action potential initiation

Question 17

A neuron receives both excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. What determines whether it will fire an action potential?

Accepted Answer

The net effect of synaptic integration at the axon hillock

Question 18

Which of the following is a consequence of the absolute refractory period?

Accepted Answer

A second action potential cannot be generated regardless of stimulus strength

Question 19

If a neuron is exposed to a drug that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, what will be the immediate effect?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials will not be generated

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the inside of a neuron is negatively charged at rest?

Accepted Answer

K+ ions diffuse out of the cell, leaving behind negatively charged proteins

Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions