Question 1

Which division of the nervous system is primarily responsible for voluntary muscle movement?

Accepted Answer

Somatic/motor division of the peripheral nervous system

Question 2

What is the main function of myelin in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

To insulate axons and increase the speed of signal transmission

Question 3

A patient with multiple sclerosis experiences muscle weakness. Which cellular structure is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Myelin sheath

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the resting membrane potential of a typical neuron?

Accepted Answer

It is approximately -70 mV due to high potassium inside and high sodium outside the cell

Question 5

Which equation can be used to calculate the equilibrium potential for potassium ions ($$K^+) $$across a neuronal membrane?

Accepted Answer

$$E_K = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \frac{[K^+]_{out}}{[K^+]_{in}}$$

Question 6

Which of the following is TRUE about action potentials?

Accepted Answer

They are all-or-none events that propagate without diminishing in strength

Question 7

What is the role of the Na$$^+/K$^+$$ ATPase pump in maintaining the resting membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

It actively transports 3 Na$$^+$$ out and 2 K$$^+ in$$, maintaining ionic gradients

Question 8

Which type of ion channel is directly involved in the fast synaptic response at a chemical synapse?

Accepted Answer

Ligand-gated ion channel

Question 9

A neuron receives multiple excitatory and inhibitory inputs. What determines whether it will fire an action potential?

Accepted Answer

The summation of graded potentials at the axon hillock reaching threshold

Question 10

Which neurotransmitter is most likely to cause an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Question 11

Which of the following best describes hyperpolarisation in a neuron?

Accepted Answer

The membrane potential becomes more negative than the resting potential

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of glial cells in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Providing structural support and insulation for neurons

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of graded potentials?

Accepted Answer

They propagate long distances without diminishing

Question 15

Which part of the neuron integrates inputs and determines whether an action potential will be generated?

Accepted Answer

Axon hillock

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why the inside of a neuron is negatively charged at rest?

Accepted Answer

High concentration of potassium ions inside and negatively charged proteins that cannot cross the membrane

Question 17

Which type of receptor is responsible for slow synaptic responses?

Accepted Answer

G protein-coupled receptor

Question 18

During synaptic transmission, what triggers the release of neurotransmitter from the presynaptic neuron?

Accepted Answer

Influx of Ca$$^{2+}$$ ions due to depolarisation

Question 19

Which division of the peripheral nervous system is involved in digestion?

Accepted Answer

Enteric nervous system

Question 20

A drug blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in neurons. What is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

Prevention of action potential generation

Neurophysiology 1: The Nervous System, Neurons, and Cell-Cell Communication

Study Guide - Practice Questions