Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between electrical and chemical signals in neural communication?

Accepted Answer

Electrical signals involve changes in membrane potential, while chemical signals involve the release of molecules such as neurotransmitters.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a form of local communication in the body?

Accepted Answer

Hormones

Question 3

In signal transduction, which of the following correctly identifies the first and second messengers?

Accepted Answer

First messenger: neurotransmitter; Second messenger: cAMP

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated channel

Question 5

A drug that binds to a receptor and blocks its activation is called:

Accepted Answer

Antagonist

Question 6

Which control system typically has the fastest speed and highest specificity?

Accepted Answer

Neural system

Question 7

How is stimulus intensity coded in neurons?

Accepted Answer

By the frequency of action potentials

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct description of the two divisions of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

Somatic and autonomic divisions

Question 9

Which part of the neuron typically receives incoming signals?

Accepted Answer

Dendrite

Question 10

Which type of glial cell is responsible for myelinating axons in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocyte

Question 11

What is the primary function of the Nodes of Ranvier?

Accepted Answer

To facilitate saltatory conduction of action potentials

Question 12

On which side of the neuronal cell membrane is the concentration of $$\mathrm{K^+}$$ ions higher?

Accepted Answer

Inside the cell

Question 13

Where do graded potentials typically occur in a neuron?

Accepted Answer

Dendrites and cell body

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Action potentials only occur if the membrane potential reaches threshold; otherwise, they do not occur at all.

Question 15

A patient is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a disease that damages myelin in the CNS. Which cell type is primarily affected?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why action potentials do not decrease in amplitude as they travel along the axon?

Accepted Answer

Because each segment of the axon regenerates the action potential through voltage-gated channels

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Providing immune defense by removing debris and pathogens

Question 18

If a neuron receives both excitatory and inhibitory inputs, what determines whether it will fire an action potential?

Accepted Answer

The sum of all graded potentials at the axon hillock reaching threshold

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of a synapse?

Accepted Answer

It is the junction where information is transmitted from one neuron to another or to an effector cell.

Question 20

Which of the following ions has a higher concentration outside the neuronal cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Na^+}$$

Human Physiology: Neural Communication and the Nervous System (Chapters 6 & 8 Study Guide)

Study Guide - Practice Questions