Q: Which of the following best describes the role of the Na\textsuperscript{+}/K\textsuperscript{+} ATPase pump in maintaining the resting membrane potential?

It exports Na\textsuperscript{+} and imports K\textsuperscript{+}, keeping the cell interior negatively charged relative to the exterior.

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

Voltage-gated Na\textsuperscript{+} channels upstream are in a refractory state and cannot reopen immediately.

Q: Which of the following is a correct sequence of events at a chemical synapse?

Action potential arrives at axon terminal, Ca\textsuperscript{2+} enters presynaptic cell, synaptic vesicles fuse with membrane, neurotransmitter released into synaptic cleft.

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, integrating sensory information, while the PNS transmits signals between the CNS and the rest of the body.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a function of glial cells in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Generating outgoing electrical signals

Question 3

A patient is exposed to tetrodotoxin, a neurotoxin found in puffer fish. Which of the following best explains the effect on their neurons?

Accepted Answer

It prevents the generation of action potentials by blocking voltage-gated Na	extsuperscript{+} channels.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the role of the Na	extsuperscript{+}/K	extsuperscript{+} ATPase pump in maintaining the resting membrane potential?

Accepted Answer

It exports Na	extsuperscript{+} and imports K	extsuperscript{+}, keeping the cell interior negatively charged relative to the exterior.

Question 5

During which phase of the action potential are voltage-gated Na	extsuperscript{+} channels inactivated and voltage-gated K	extsuperscript{+} channels open?

Accepted Answer

Falling phase

Question 6

Why does myelination increase the speed of action potential propagation along an axon?

Accepted Answer

It prevents charge leakage, allowing the action potential to jump between nodes of Ranvier.

Question 7

A neuron receives simultaneous excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) at its dendrites. What is the likely outcome at the axon hillock?

Accepted Answer

The membrane potential changes will be summed, and an action potential will only occur if the threshold is reached.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated Na	extsuperscript{+} channels upstream are in a refractory state and cannot reopen immediately.

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events at a chemical synapse?

Accepted Answer

Action potential arrives at axon terminal, Ca	extsuperscript{2+} enters presynaptic cell, synaptic vesicles fuse with membrane, neurotransmitter released into synaptic cleft.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the effect of an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) on a postsynaptic neuron?

Accepted Answer

It hyperpolarizes the membrane, decreasing the likelihood of an action potential.

Question 11

A patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) experiences slowed neural transmission. Which of the following best explains this symptom?

Accepted Answer

Degeneration of myelin sheaths increases charge leakage, slowing action potential propagation.

Question 12

Which equation best represents the membrane potential ($$V_m) as $$measured in neurons?

Accepted Answer

$$V_m = 	ext{potential inside cell} - 	ext{potential outside cell}$$

Question 13

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the function of ligand-gated ion channels at the synapse?

Accepted Answer

They open when neurotransmitters bind, allowing specific ions to flow along their electrochemical gradient.

Question 14

Which part of the neuron is primarily responsible for integrating incoming signals and generating outgoing signals?

Accepted Answer

Cell body (soma)

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why large-diameter axons conduct action potentials faster than small-diameter axons?

Accepted Answer

They have less current leakage and charge spreads farther down the membrane.

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Regulating involuntary internal processes such as heart rate and digestion

Question 17

Which brain structure is primarily responsible for coordinating complex motor patterns and maintaining balance?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 18

If a neuron’s axon hillock does NOT reach threshold potential, what is the result?

Accepted Answer

No action potential is generated.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of interneurons in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

They connect sensory and motor neurons, integrating information.

Question 20

Which of the following is a property of postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs and IPSPs)?

Accepted Answer

They are graded in size and can be summed to influence action potential generation.

Neurons, Synapses, Signaling, and the Central Nervous System (CNS)

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