Q: Which equation best represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential for an ion across a membrane?

$$E = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \frac{[\text{ion}]_{\text{outside}}}{[\text{ion}]_{\text{inside}}} \right)$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of glial cells in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They provide structural support, energy, insulation, and immune defense for neurons.

Question 2

A patient suffers from multiple sclerosis, a disease that damages the myelin sheath in the central nervous system. Which type of glial cell is primarily affected?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 3

Which sequence correctly represents the stages of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

Resting state → Depolarization → Rising phase → Falling phase → Undershoot

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the refractory period is correct?

Accepted Answer

It prevents the action potential from reinitiating for 1-2 milliseconds.

Question 5

A neuroscientist is studying the effects of a toxin that blocks sodium channels in neurons. What would be the most immediate effect on the neuron's ability to transmit signals?

Accepted Answer

The neuron would be unable to generate an action potential.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why neurotransmitters can have different effects on different target cells?

Accepted Answer

A single neurotransmitter can bind to multiple types of receptors on different cells.

Question 7

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the difference between electrical and chemical synapses?

Accepted Answer

Chemical synapses use neurotransmitters to cross a physical gap between neurons.

Question 8

Which glial cell type acts as a phagocyte in the central nervous system, providing immune defense?

Accepted Answer

Microglial cells

Question 9

A person touches a hot stove and quickly pulls their hand away. Which sequence best describes the flow of information in their nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Afferent neuron → Interneuron → Efferent neuron

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of the myelin sheath?

Accepted Answer

It increases the speed of action potential transmission along the axon.

Question 11

Which equation best represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential for an ion across a membrane?

Accepted Answer

$$E = \frac{RT}{zF} \ln \left( \frac{[	ext{ion}]_{	ext{outside}}}{[	ext{ion}]_{	ext{inside}}} ight)$$

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of astrocytes?

Accepted Answer

Forming the myelin sheath in the central nervous system

Question 13

If a drug blocks the reuptake of acetylcholine at the synaptic cleft, what is the most likely effect?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged stimulation of the postsynaptic cell

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of afferent neurons?

Accepted Answer

They receive sensory information from receptors and transmit it to the central nervous system.

Question 15

A mutation causes sodium channels to remain open longer than normal during an action potential. What is the most likely effect on the neuron's electrical activity?

Accepted Answer

The action potential will have a prolonged rising phase.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why the resting membrane potential is typically negative?

Accepted Answer

The membrane is more permeable to K+ than to Na+, allowing more positive ions to leave the cell.

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct order of information processing in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Sensory input → Integration → Motor output

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of Schwann cells?

Accepted Answer

Forming the myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of interneurons?

Accepted Answer

They integrate information and formulate responses within the central nervous system.

Question 20

A patient is unable to form new memories after a brain injury. Which neurotransmitter is most likely involved in this deficit?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Chapter 19: Neuron Synapses and Signaling: Structure, Function, and Communication

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