Question 1

Which of the following best explains how the sodium-potassium pump contributes to the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

Accepted Answer

It uses ATP to actively transport 3 Na+ out of the cell and 2 K+ into the cell, creating an electrochemical gradient.

Question 2

A patient is exposed to a toxin that blocks voltage-gated Na+ channels. What is the most likely effect on their neurons?

Accepted Answer

Neurons will be unable to depolarize, preventing action potential initiation.

Question 3

Which equation is used to calculate the equilibrium potential for an ion across a membrane, and what does it represent?

Accepted Answer

$$E_{ion} = 62 \ \mathrm{mV} \log \left( \frac{[ion]_{outside}}{[ion]_{inside}} \right)$$; it represents the membrane voltage at which there is no net movement of the ion.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the sequence of events during the rising phase of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated Na+ channels open, and Na+ rushes into the cell.

Question 5

Saltatory conduction is faster and more energy-efficient than continuous conduction because:

Accepted Answer

Myelin sheaths allow the action potential to jump from one node of Ranvier to the next, reducing ion movement to these nodes.

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct pairing of neurotransmitter and its primary function?

Accepted Answer

GABA – major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS

Question 7

A drug that inhibits acetylcholinesterase would most likely cause which of the following effects?

Accepted Answer

Increase the duration of acetylcholine action at the synapse, potentially causing prolonged muscle contraction.

Question 8

Which brain region is primarily responsible for voluntary movement and higher cognitive functions such as language and memory?

Accepted Answer

Cerebral cortex

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why action potentials travel in only one direction along an axon?

Accepted Answer

Inactivated Na+ channels behind the action potential prevent backward propagation.

Question 10

A patient with multiple sclerosis experiences muscle weakness and sensory deficits. This is primarily due to:

Accepted Answer

Demyelination of axons, impairing saltatory conduction.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Providing structural support and insulation for neurons

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It regulates involuntary activities of smooth and cardiac muscles.

Question 13

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of metabotropic neurotransmitter receptors compared to ionotropic receptors?

Accepted Answer

They activate second messenger pathways, leading to slower but more diverse cellular responses.

Question 14

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates neuronal plasticity?

Accepted Answer

Repeated practice of a skill strengthens synaptic connections, improving performance.

Question 15

Which of the following is a direct effect of increased dopamine activity in the brain's reward system?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced feelings of pleasure and reinforcement of rewarding behaviors

Question 16

A person is exposed to botulinum toxin, which blocks acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions. What is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

Muscle paralysis due to failure of synaptic transmission

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic increases heart rate and decreases GI motility; parasympathetic decreases heart rate and increases GI motility.

Question 18

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Alzheimer’s disease at the cellular level?

Accepted Answer

Formation of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques in the brain

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why addictive drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines are so habit-forming?

Accepted Answer

They increase dopamine activity, causing long-lasting changes in reward circuitry and reinforcing drug-seeking behavior.

Nervous Systems: Structure, Function, and Disorders

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