Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a general function of glial cells in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Transmitting electrical impulses across synapses

Question 2

Which division of the nervous system is responsible for connecting the central nervous system (CNS) to limbs and organs?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Question 3

During an action potential, what is the primary factor that determines the conduction velocity along an axon?

Accepted Answer

Diameter of the axon and presence of myelin

Question 4

What is the main difference between a neuron and a neuroglial cell?

Accepted Answer

Neurons transmit electrical signals, while neuroglial cells support and protect neurons

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the membrane potential of a neuron at rest?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

What happens when a neuron reaches threshold?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated Na$$^+$$ channels open, initiating an action potential

Question 7

During depolarization of the neuron membrane, which ions move and in which direction?

Accepted Answer

Na$$^+$$ ions move into the cell

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated ion channels

Question 9

Where are voltage-gated Na$$^+$$ channels primarily located in a neuron?

Accepted Answer

Axon hillock and along the axon

Question 10

Which of the following best explains how lidocaine blocks pain signals?

Accepted Answer

It inhibits voltage-gated Na$$^+$$ channels, preventing action potential propagation

Question 11

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the difference between cranial nerves and spinal nerves?

Accepted Answer

Cranial nerves emerge from the brain, while spinal nerves emerge from the spinal cord

Question 12

During repolarization of an action potential, what is the main ionic movement?

Accepted Answer

K$$^+$$ ions move out of the cell

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of the axon hillock in a neuron?

Accepted Answer

It is the site where action potentials are initiated

Question 14

If the resting membrane potential of a neuron is $$-70\ \mathrm{mV}$$ and the threshold is $$-55\ \mathrm{mV}$$, what must happen for an action potential to be generated?

Accepted Answer

The membrane potential must depolarize to $$-55\ \mathrm{mV}$$

Question 15

Which of the following scenarios would most likely result in the opening of mechanically-gated ion channels?

Accepted Answer

Stretching of the cell membrane due to pressure

Question 16

Which equation best represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential of an ion?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 17

A patient is given lidocaine before a dental procedure. Which step in the pain pathway is directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Propagation of action potentials along sensory neurons

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why Na$$^+$$ and K$$^+$$ ions move into or out of the cell when voltage-gated channels open?

Accepted Answer

They move down their electrochemical gradients

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events during an action potential?

Accepted Answer

Depolarization, repolarization, hyperpolarization

Question 20

Which of the following would most likely occur if a neuron failed to reach threshold?

Accepted Answer

No action potential would be generated

Nervous System Structure, Function, and Neural Signaling Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards