Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the sodium-potassium pump in maintaining the resting membrane potential of a neuron?

Accepted Answer

It actively transports 3 sodium ions out of the neuron and 2 potassium ions in, resulting in a net loss of positive charge inside the cell.

Question 2

During the depolarization phase of an action potential, which of the following events occurs?

Accepted Answer

Voltage-gated sodium channels open, allowing Na$$^+ to $$enter the cell.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The absolute refractory period prevents the region of the axon that just fired from immediately firing again.

Question 4

A patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) is likely to experience which of the following symptoms due to the loss of myelin in the CNS?

Accepted Answer

Numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness

Question 5

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for exciting skeletal muscles at the neuromuscular junction?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 6

A person steps on a sharp object and quickly withdraws their foot. Which neural pathway is primarily responsible for this rapid, involuntary response?

Accepted Answer

Spinal reflex arc

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the role of astrocytes in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They maintain the chemical environment that facilitates neuron function.

Question 8

Which of the following is a major function of the thalamus in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Receiving, processing, and transferring sensory information to the cerebral cortex

Question 9

A drug that blocks the reuptake of dopamine in the synaptic cleft would most likely have which effect?

Accepted Answer

Increase dopamine levels in the synaptic cleft

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why the effects of neurotransmitters are usually short-lived?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitters are quickly taken back up by the presynaptic neuron, destroyed by enzymes, or diffuse away.

Question 11

Which lobe of the cerebral cortex is primarily responsible for processing visual information?

Accepted Answer

Occipital lobe

Question 12

A patient is unable to form new long-term memories but can recall events from earlier in life. Which brain region is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Hippocampus

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic division prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, while the parasympathetic division promotes 'rest and digest' activities.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why myelinated axons conduct action potentials faster than unmyelinated axons?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials jump from node to node (saltatory conduction) in myelinated axons.

Question 15

A person with Parkinson's disease is most likely to have degeneration of neurons that release which neurotransmitter?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Question 16

Which of the following equations best represents the Nernst equation for calculating the equilibrium potential ($$E_{ion}) $$for a particular ion across a membrane?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 17

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of summation in postsynaptic neurons?

Accepted Answer

Multiple presynaptic neurons release neurotransmitters simultaneously, causing a larger change in membrane potential.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the function of the corpus callosum?

Accepted Answer

It connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres, allowing communication between them.

Question 19

A person is experiencing rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and dilated pupils after a stressful event. Which division of the nervous system is primarily responsible for these changes?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic nervous system

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why a neuron cannot generate another action potential during the absolute refractory period?

Accepted Answer

The sodium channels are inactivated and cannot be reopened immediately.

The Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Disorders

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