Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of the sodium-potassium pump ($$\mathrm{Na^+/K^+}$$ ATPase) in maintaining the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

Accepted Answer

It pumps three $$\mathrm{Na^+}$$ ions out and two $$\mathrm{K^+}$$ ions in, maintaining a negative charge inside the cell.

Question 2

A patient is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Which of the following best explains the effect of MS on nerve impulse conduction?

Accepted Answer

Destruction of myelin sheaths in the CNS slows or blocks action potential propagation.

Question 3

Which glial cell type is responsible for forming myelin sheaths in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

Schwann cells

Question 4

A neuron receives simultaneous excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) from several presynaptic neurons. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Spatial summation

Question 5

Which equation correctly represents Ohm’s law as it applies to neurons?

Accepted Answer

$$V = I 	imes R$$

Question 6

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the propagation of an action potential along a myelinated axon?

Accepted Answer

It jumps from node to node in a process called saltatory conduction.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

They support neurons and help regulate the chemical environment around them.

Question 8

A neurotransmitter binds to a postsynaptic receptor and directly opens an ion channel, causing a rapid response. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Direct action

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct pairing of neuron type and its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar neuron – special senses such as vision

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

No stimulus, no matter how strong, can trigger another action potential.

Question 11

Which of the following neurotransmitters is most commonly associated with inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

GABA

Question 12

A person touches a hot stove and quickly withdraws their hand. Which neural processing pattern is primarily responsible for this rapid, automatic response?

Accepted Answer

Serial processing (reflex arc)

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why Group A nerve fibers conduct impulses faster than Group C fibers?

Accepted Answer

Group A fibers are myelinated and have a large diameter.

Question 14

Which of the following events occurs first during chemical synaptic transmission?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated $$\mathrm{Ca$$^{2+}$$}$$ channels open in the presynaptic terminal.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the effect of opening chemically gated $$\mathrm{K^+} or$$ $$\mathrm{Cl^-}$$ channels on the postsynaptic membrane?

Accepted Answer

It causes hyperpolarization and decreases the likelihood of an action potential.

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of microglial cells in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytizing microorganisms and neuronal debris

Question 17

A neuron’s membrane potential changes from $$-70\ \mathrm{mV} to$$ $$-60\ \mathrm{mV}. $$This change is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Depolarization

Question 18

Which of the following is TRUE about the direction of information flow in a typical chemical synapse?

Accepted Answer

It is unidirectional, from presynaptic to postsynaptic neuron.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of a local anesthetic on nerve conduction?

Accepted Answer

It blocks voltage-gated $$\mathrm{Na^+}$$ channels, preventing action potential propagation.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about graded potentials?

Accepted Answer

They decay with distance from the stimulus.

Fundamentals of the Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Electrical Properties

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