Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

They insulate, nourish, and support neurons.

Question 2

A neuron at resting potential has a higher concentration of potassium ions inside the cell and a higher concentration of sodium ions outside the cell. Which equation can be used to calculate the equilibrium potential for potassium ($$E_K) $$using the Nernst equation?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

Which of the following scenarios would most likely result in an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP)?

Accepted Answer

Opening of ligand-gated potassium channels in the postsynaptic membrane.

Question 4

During the rising phase of an action potential, which ion is primarily responsible for the rapid depolarization of the neuron?

Accepted Answer

Sodium ($$Na^+)$$

Question 5

Which process is responsible for the termination of neurotransmitter signaling at a chemical synapse?

Accepted Answer

Reuptake of neurotransmitter by the presynaptic neuron

Question 6

A neuron receives multiple excitatory and inhibitory inputs. Which mechanism determines whether the neuron will fire an action potential?

Accepted Answer

The spatial and temporal summation of EPSPs and IPSPs at the axon hillock

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The temporary inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels behind the zone of depolarization

Question 8

Which adaptation increases the speed of action potential conduction in vertebrate neurons?

Accepted Answer

Insulation of axons by myelin sheaths

Question 9

Which neurotransmitter is classified as an amino acid and is known for its excitatory effects in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Question 10

A patient is exposed to a toxin that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels. What would be the most immediate effect on neuronal signaling?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials would fail to initiate and propagate.

Question 11

Which equation represents the calculation of the equilibrium potential for sodium ($$E_{Na}) $$using the Nernst equation?

Accepted Answer

$$E_{Na} = \frac{RT}{zF} \log \frac{[Na^+]_{out}}{[Na^+]_{in}}$$

Question 12

Which of the following is a characteristic of action potentials?

Accepted Answer

They are all-or-none events with a constant magnitude.

Question 13

Which type of receptor is involved in metabotropic signaling at synapses?

Accepted Answer

G-protein coupled receptor

Question 14

If the membrane of a neuron becomes selectively permeable to chloride ions ($$Cl^-$$), what is the likely effect on the membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

The membrane potential will hyperpolarize, moving farther from threshold.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes saltatory conduction?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials jump from one node of Ranvier to the next in myelinated axons.

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-world example of a nervous system process involving sensory input, integration, and motor output?

Accepted Answer

A snail detecting a predator, processing the information, and retracting its proboscis.

Question 17

Which of the following would most likely increase the likelihood of an action potential being generated in a postsynaptic neuron?

Accepted Answer

Temporal summation of multiple EPSPs at the same synapse

Question 18

Which of the following statements about the sodium-potassium pump is correct?

Accepted Answer

It uses ATP to move sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell.

Question 19

Which neurotransmitter is classified as a biogenic amine and is involved in mood regulation?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

CH 48- Neurons, Synapses, and Signaling: Structure and Function in the Nervous System

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