Question 1

Which of the following best describes the three main functions of the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Sensory input, integration, and motor output

Question 2

Which structure is responsible for receiving signals from other neurons and transmitting them toward the cell body?

Accepted Answer

Dendrite

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the difference between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Accepted Answer

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS includes all neural tissue outside the CNS.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

During an action potential, which event occurs immediately after the membrane potential reaches threshold?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated sodium channels open, causing rapid depolarization

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why action potentials are unidirectional along an axon?

Accepted Answer

The refractory period prevents the action potential from traveling backward

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct comparison between saltatory and continuous conduction?

Accepted Answer

Saltatory conduction is faster because the action potential jumps between nodes of Ranvier

Question 8

A patient is exposed to a neurotoxin that blocks voltage-gated potassium channels. What effect would this have on the action potential?

Accepted Answer

Repolarization would be delayed, prolonging the action potential

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

It actively transports 3 Na$$^+$$ ions out and 2 K$$^+$$ ions into the cell, maintaining a negative interior

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

They decrease in amplitude as they spread from the site of stimulation

Question 11

Which of the following best explains the difference between temporal and spatial summation?

Accepted Answer

Temporal summation involves multiple signals from one presynaptic neuron in rapid succession; spatial summation involves simultaneous signals from multiple presynaptic neurons

Question 12

Which of the following is true regarding the absolute refractory period?

Accepted Answer

No new action potential can be initiated, regardless of stimulus strength

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the effect of myelination on nerve impulse conduction?

Accepted Answer

It increases conduction velocity by allowing action potentials to jump between nodes of Ranvier

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of a chemical synapse?

Accepted Answer

The release of acetylcholine from a motor neuron to a muscle fiber

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of inhibitory neurotransmitters?

Accepted Answer

They hyperpolarize the postsynaptic membrane, decreasing the likelihood of an action potential

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about the propagation of an action potential in a myelinated axon?

Accepted Answer

The action potential jumps from one node of Ranvier to the next, a process called saltatory conduction

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the resting membrane potential is typically around $$-70 mV$$?

Accepted Answer

The membrane is more permeable to K$$^+$$ than Na$$^+$$, and the Na$$^+/K$^+$$ pump maintains ion gradients

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of astrocytes in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They help maintain the blood-brain barrier and regulate the extracellular environment

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between serial and parallel processing in neural circuits?

Accepted Answer

Serial processing involves a single pathway, while parallel processing involves multiple pathways simultaneously

Question 20

A patient presents with muscle weakness and fatigue. Laboratory tests reveal antibodies against acetylcholine receptors. Which disorder is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Myasthenia gravis

Neurophysiology Study Guide: Structure and Function of the Nervous System

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