Question 1

Which division of the nervous system is responsible for controlling the network of neurons in the walls of the digestive tract, and what is its unique property?

Accepted Answer

The enteric nervous system; it can function autonomously but is controlled by the autonomic nervous system.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the functional unit of the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Neuron

Question 3

A patient presents with muscle weakness and loss of coordination. MRI reveals demyelination in the CNS. Which glial cell is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocyte

Question 4

Which equation predicts the equilibrium potential for a single ion across a membrane?

Accepted Answer

Nernst equation: $E_{ion} = \frac{61}{z} \log \frac{[ion]_{out}}{[ion]_{in}}$

Question 5

Which type of neuron is most likely to be found in sensory pathways such as those for touch and pain?

Accepted Answer

Pseudounipolar neuron

Question 6

What is the primary reason graded potentials lose strength as they travel through the neuron?

Accepted Answer

Current leak and cytoplasmic resistance

Question 7

During an action potential, which event is responsible for the rapid depolarization phase?

Accepted Answer

Opening of voltage-gated Na+ channels and Na+ entry

Question 8

Which property of action potentials allows them to travel long distances without losing strength?

Accepted Answer

All-or-none conduction at constant amplitude

Question 9

A patient with hyperkalemia is at risk for which change in neuronal excitability?

Accepted Answer

Neurons are brought closer to threshold, increasing excitability.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Schwann cell

Question 11

Which equation is used to calculate the membrane potential considering multiple ions?

Accepted Answer

Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation: $V_m = 61 \log \frac{P_K[K^+]_{out} + P_{Na}[Na^+]_{out} + P_{Cl}[Cl^-]_{in}}{P_K[K^+]_{in} + P_{Na}[Na^+]_{in} + P_{Cl}[Cl^-]_{out}}$

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why action potentials do not travel backward along the axon?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated Na+ channels are inactivated during the absolute refractory period.

Question 13

A nerve is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A bundle of axons with connective tissue.

Question 14

Which type of ion channel is responsible for initiating an action potential at the axon hillock?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated Na+ channel

Question 15

Which process is responsible for the termination of neurotransmitter activity in the synaptic cleft?

Accepted Answer

Enzymatic breakdown, diffusion, and reuptake into cells

Question 16

Which law describes the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in neurons?

Accepted Answer

Ohm's Law: $V = I 	imes R$

Question 17

Which of the following is a property of graded potentials but NOT action potentials?

Accepted Answer

Variable strength depending on stimulus

Question 18

Which glial cell type acts as the immune cell of the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Microglia

Question 19

What is the effect of myelination on the speed of action potential conduction?

Accepted Answer

It increases conduction speed due to saltatory conduction between nodes of Ranvier.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of the axon hillock?

Accepted Answer

It is the trigger zone where action potentials are initiated.

Neurons: Cellular and Network Properties – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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