Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary functional difference between neurons and glial cells in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Neurons generate action potentials for long-distance signaling, while glial cells provide support and do not generate action potentials.

Question 2

Which part of the neuron is primarily responsible for the initiation of action potentials?

Accepted Answer

Axon hillock/initial segment

Question 3

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is essential for protecting the brain. Which cellular structure is most directly responsible for the physical barrier of the BBB?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions between endothelial cells

Question 4

Which of the following best defines conductance in the context of neurophysiology, and how is it mathematically related to resistance?

Accepted Answer

Conductance is the ability of charge to flow; $$g = \frac{1}{R}$$

Question 5

A patient has a mutation that disrupts the formation of dendritic spines. Which of the following neuronal functions is most likely to be impaired?

Accepted Answer

Integration of excitatory synaptic inputs

Question 6

Which equation correctly represents Ohm’s Law as it applies to the flow of current across a neuronal membrane?

Accepted Answer

$$I = \frac{V}{R}$$

Question 7

Which of the following statements about action potentials is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials are all-or-none events that propagate without decrement.

Question 8

A neuroscientist is studying a microcircuit involved in the myotatic (knee-jerk) reflex. Which of the following network motifs is most likely to be found in this circuit?

Accepted Answer

Feedforward inhibition and recurrent excitation

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the function of the axon terminal in neuronal communication?

Accepted Answer

It mediates the release of neurotransmitters at the synapse.

Question 10

If the resistance across a neuronal membrane increases while the voltage remains constant, what happens to the current according to Ohm’s Law?

Accepted Answer

Current decreases

Question 11

Which of the following is a key reason why action potentials are necessary for long-distance communication in neurons?

Accepted Answer

They enable fast, non-decremental propagation of signals over long distances.

Question 12

Which historical figure is credited with the first demonstration of bioelectricity by stimulating frog’s leg muscles with electrical current?

Accepted Answer

Luigi Galvani

Question 13

Which of the following best describes a microcircuit in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

A small number of connected neurons performing specific operations

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a passive membrane property of neurons?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated ion channel activity

Question 15

A neuroscientist records a resting membrane potential of $$-70 mV in a $$neuron. What does this value represent?

Accepted Answer

The constant voltage maintained across the cell membrane at rest

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why the nervous system can perform such complex computations?

Accepted Answer

Because neurons are organized into circuits with stereotyped motifs

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in a neuron?

Accepted Answer

If voltage increases and resistance stays the same, current increases.

Question 18

Which Nobel Prize-winning scientist is considered the father of modern neuroscience and proposed the Neuron Doctrine?

Accepted Answer

Santiago Ramon y Cajal

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of the importance of action potential propagation in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The axon of a single sensory neuron in a blue whale can be up to 20 meters long, requiring action potentials for signal transmission.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of astrocytes in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They support the integrity of the blood-brain barrier through end-foot processes.

Introduction to the Nervous System and Cellular Neurophysiology

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