Question 1

Which structure in a neuron is primarily responsible for receiving signals from other neurons?

Accepted Answer

Dendrite

Question 2

What is the main function of the Na+/K+-ATPase in neurons?

Accepted Answer

To actively pump 3 Na+ out and 2 K+ into the cell, maintaining the resting membrane potential

Question 3

Which glial cell is responsible for myelinating axons in the central nervous system (CNS)?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocyte

Question 4

During the rising phase of an action potential, which ion primarily moves into the neuron?

Accepted Answer

Na+

Question 5

What is the effect of myelin on the speed of action potential propagation?

Accepted Answer

It speeds up propagation by insulating the axon and enabling saltatory conduction

Question 6

Which neurotransmitter is released at the neuromuscular junction and causes muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 7

What is the primary function of the blood-brain barrier?

Accepted Answer

To protect the CNS by restricting passage of substances from blood to brain

Question 8

Which equation describes the equilibrium potential for a specific ion?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Which type of ion channel opens in response to a neurotransmitter binding?

Accepted Answer

Ligand-gated ion channel

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Action potentials will not be generated

Question 11

Which brain region is primarily involved in maintaining heart rate and breathing?

Accepted Answer

Medulla oblongata

Question 12

Which neurotransmitter is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

GABA

Question 13

What is the main difference between EPSPs and IPSPs?

Accepted Answer

EPSPs depolarize the membrane, increasing chance of action potential; IPSPs hyperpolarize, decreasing chance

Question 14

Which structure connects the two hemispheres of the cerebrum?

Accepted Answer

Corpus callosum

Question 15

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for 'fight-or-flight' responses?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic division

Question 16

Which process describes the long-term strengthening of a synapse based on activity patterns, thought to underlie learning and memory?

Accepted Answer

Long-term potentiation

Question 17

A neuron receives multiple excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in rapid succession. What is this phenomenon called?

Accepted Answer

Temporal summation

Question 18

Which equation best describes Ohm's Law, relevant to understanding electrical properties in neurons?

Accepted Answer

$$V = IR$$

Question 19

Which neurotransmitter is involved in reward pathways and is a catecholamine?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Question 20

Which type of neuron transmits information from sensory receptors to the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Sensory neuron

The Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Signaling

Study Guide - Practice Questions