Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of glial cells in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Support and protect neurons, maintaining homeostasis

Question 2

A patient suffers damage to the myelin sheath of their neurons. Which of the following is most likely to occur as a result?

Accepted Answer

Slower conduction of action potentials due to impaired saltatory conduction

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential of an ion across a membrane?

Accepted Answer

$E_{ion} = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \frac{[ion]_{out}}{[ion]_{in}} \right)$

Question 4

During the rising phase of an action potential, which ions are primarily moving and in which direction?

Accepted Answer

Sodium ions move into the cell

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why action potentials are conducted faster in myelinated axons compared to unmyelinated axons?

Accepted Answer

Myelinated axons allow action potentials to jump between nodes of Ranvier (saltatory conduction)

Question 6

Which of the following is a key difference between graded potentials and action potentials?

Accepted Answer

Graded potentials decrease in strength as they travel, while action potentials maintain their strength

Question 7

A neuron at rest has a membrane potential of approximately $-70\ \mathrm{mV}$. Where are the majority of negative charges located?

Accepted Answer

On the inside of the cell membrane

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of the sodium-potassium ATPase pump in maintaining the resting membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

It moves 3 Na$^+$ ions out and 2 K$^+$ ions in, creating an electrochemical gradient

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a function of astrocytes in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Generating action potentials

Question 10

A patient is experiencing muscle weakness due to impaired synaptic transmission. Which step in synaptic transmission is most likely affected if neurotransmitter release is reduced?

Accepted Answer

Exocytosis of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the effect of increasing axon diameter on the speed of action potential conduction?

Accepted Answer

It increases the speed of conduction

Question 12

Which type of neuron carries information from the central nervous system to skeletal muscle?

Accepted Answer

Somatic motor neuron

Question 13

Which of the following equations correctly relates current ($I$), voltage ($V$), and resistance ($R$) in a neuron?

Accepted Answer

$V = I 	imes R$

Question 14

Which glial cell type is responsible for producing myelin in the peripheral nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Schwann cell

Question 15

A graded potential is most likely to trigger an action potential if:

Accepted Answer

It reaches the threshold at the trigger zone

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the refractory period of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

The time when voltage-gated sodium channels are inactivated and the neuron cannot fire another action potential

Question 17

Which of the following neurotransmitters is most commonly associated with neuromuscular junctions?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events during synaptic transmission?

Accepted Answer

Action potential arrives, calcium channels open, neurotransmitter released

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why graded potentials lose strength as they travel through the neuron?

Accepted Answer

Due to leakage of charge across the membrane and cytoplasmic resistance

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct description of the enteric nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It is a network of neurons in the digestive tract that functions independently and as part of the autonomic nervous system

CH 8 Study Guide

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